Technology25 March 2026
How to choose a tray sealer food packaging
Finding the most suitable tray sealing machine is a critical investment decision for food producers operating at scale.
The ideal system must align with your production capacity, packaging formats, and automation requirements, while also supporting compliance, sustainability, and long-term growth.
ILPRA’s FoodPack traysealers are engineered to meet the demands of high-output environments, offering modularity, precision, and integration capabilities that support industrial-scale food production.
1. Understand your production volume
The first step in selecting a tray sealer is understanding your production targets:
- Low to medium output: Semi-automatic systems may be sufficient
- High-volume production: Fully automated in-line tray sealers are essential
- Peak demand flexibility: Machines should accommodate production spikes without compromising efficiency
High-capacity systems are designed to maintain consistent sealing quality even under continuous operation, ensuring reliability across extended production cycles.
2. Consider packaging formats and product types
Different food products require different sealing approaches. When choosing a machine, assess:
- Tray material compatibility: Plastic, cardboard, recyclable, or biodegradable trays
- Product type: Fresh meat, ready meals, dairy, bakery, or frozen foods
- Seal types: MAP, vacuum, skin packaging, or standard sealing
- Tray dimensions: Flexibility for multiple SKUs and changing product lines
A versatile machine reduces the need for multiple systems and allows you to respond quickly to changing market demands, seasonality and changes in regulations.
3. Evaluate automation benefits
For established producers, automation is often the key to efficiency. It is not without it’s challenges, so you will need to consider:
- Inline integration: Seamless connection with filling, weighing, and labelling systems
- Robotics and conveyors: Reduce manual handling and labour costs
- Smart controls: PLC-based systems for precision control and monitoring
- Data integration: Real-time production tracking for traceability and compliance
Advanced systems like fully automated tray sealers can be integrated into production lines, supporting continuous operation and minimal downtime.
4. Assess sustainability and regulatory compliance
With increasing pressure from regulators and consumers, sustainability is now a core requirement:
- Machines that minimise film and tray waste
- Support for mono-material and eco-friendly trays
- Reduced consumption during operation and idle states
- Ability to meet UK and EU packaging regulations
Choosing the right tray sealing system can significantly reduce your environmental footprint while maintaining production efficiency.
5. Prioritise reliability and long-term scalability
Industrial food production requires machinery that can operate continuously with minimal disruption:
- Built for long production cycles
- Quick access to components and minimal downtime
- Ability to upgrade or expand as your business grows
- Strong aftersales service and engineering support
A future-proof machine ensures your investment continues to deliver value as your production demands evolve.
Find the right machine for your production
By carefully evaluating your production requirements, packaging formats, automation needs, and sustainability goals, you can select a system that supports both current operations and future growth. For high-performance, scalable solutions designed for industrial food production, explore our machines online, or get in touch with the ILPRA UK team for expert guidance.
