In the bottling industry, secondary packaging is a key stage in preparing finished products for handling, storage and distribution.
The shrink wrapper plays a central role in this process by grouping bottles, cans or multiple containers using shrink film, creating compact, durable packs that are easy to handle.
How does a shrink wrapper work?
The shrink wrapping process consists of several stages:
- grouping products according to the required pack format;
- optional insertion of a cardboard support (tray or pad);
- application of shrink film around the group of containers;
- passing through the shrink tunnel, where heat causes the film to conform tightly to the package.
The result is a stable and durable bundle, ready for handling and palletizing.
Configurations can vary depending on production requirements, from film-only packs to tray-and-film solutions when greater stability and strength are required.
What are the advantages of an automatic shrink wrapper?
Integrating an automatic shrink wrapper improves several aspects of the production process:
- higher productivity, thanks to automated packaging operations;
- consistent package quality, with uniform results even at high production volumes;
- reduced processing times compared with manual operations;
- optimized film consumption, thanks to film tension control systems;
- greater production flexibility, with the ability to handle different pack formats;
- improved end-of-line organization, thanks to integration with conveyors, stretch wrappers and palletizers.
Factors to consider when choosing a shrink wrapper
The ideal shrink wrapper configuration depends on the analysis of several key elements of the production line. It is not only the machine’s speed that matters, but also its ability to adapt to the actual requirements of the plant.
The main factors to evaluate include:
- Production capacity
- Pack formats and packaging types
- Available space and plant layout
- Future production developments
A practical example: BBM’s refurbishment of an OCME Vega X30V shrink wrapper
BBM’s experience in refurbished machinery makes it possible to transform existing equipment into reliable, high-performance solutions once again.
A good example is the refurbishment of an OCME Vega X30V shrink wrapper, supplied by BBM to a food company in Eastern Europe. Built in 2004, the machine was completely refurbished at BBM’s workshop and then customized according to the customer’s production requirements.
The project included machine overhaul, optimization and adaptation, as well as modifications required for integration into the new production line. The shrink wrapper was configured for the 6×4 cans on tray + film format, achieving a production capacity of 30 packs per minute.
To improve production flexibility, BBM also installed an infeed conveyor with adjustable side guides, designed to simplify format changes and accommodate different container types.
Read the full news
A used shrink wrapper can become a tailor-made solution
In the bottling machinery market, choosing a used machine does not necessarily mean accepting a standard solution.https://www.bbmpackaging.com/it/bbm-consegna-fardellatrice-ocme-vega-x30v-ricondizionata Thanks to thorough refurbishment and customization, a shrink wrapper can be restored to the required operating conditions and adapted for integration into a new production line.
BBM offers used shrink wrappers from the leading manufacturers in the industry and carries out targeted refurbishment work to meet each customer’s specific requirements, from complete overhauls and technical upgrades to modifications for new pack formats and different packaging configurations.
This approach enables companies to reduce machine installation times and obtain a reliable, customized industrial solution with a lower investment than purchasing new equipment. At the same time, refurbishment is a more sustainable choice, as it extends the service life of existing machinery while reducing the consumption of raw materials and resources needed to manufacture new equipment.
