What is a Bagging Machine? Understanding Bagged Packed Goods

Manufacturers and integrators know that bagging is a popular packaging option whether your product is liquid, fluid, or solid. Bagged packaged goods are simple to store, easily labeled, and have a longer shelf life. Bagging machines are used in numerous industries, including the food, medical, and pharmaceutical sectors.

Consumer products are routinely shipped and stored in bags, from bread to coffee and vegetables. Bagged packaged goods must therefore be labeled correctly to ensure legislative compliance and traceability throughout distribution.

In this article, we’ll explain what a bagging machine is and why bagging is the preferred method of packaging across many industries. We’ll also cover the details of labeling bagged goods – including common labels, legislative requirements, and types of labeling used.

WHAT IS A BAGGING MACHINE?

A bagging machine also known as a form, fill and seal machine, is a form of machinery that weighs, counts, or measures the dose of a product, then fills a bag with the allocated amount before cutting and sealing the package.

Polyethylene and polypropylene bags are two of the most frequently used materials due to their flexibility, durability, and water and chemical resistance. However, bags can be made from plastic, paper, wax paper, and burlap, depending on the quantity and type of goods being bagged.

Bags are sized according to the product and stage in distribution. Potatoes, for example, may be bagged into large burlap sacks after processing, whereas coffee is bagged and sealed into plastic-foil bags to reduce oxidation and loss of flavor.

Bagging machinery can range from a simple tabletop machine to highly automated industrial-scale equipment. Once bagged, a bagging machine will either label the package itself or use a separate automated marking machine or labeler. Inkjet printers are a popular labeling option, being able to create legible, permanent codes on all types of bagged packaging.

THE ADVANTAGES OF BAGGED PACKAGED GOODS

Bagging machines are a hallmark of packaging. Their relative ubiquity is largely due to their ease of use, efficiency, and effectiveness. Here are some of the benefits of bagged packaged goods:

• Printing - Bags can be printed on with inkjet printers for alphanumeric codes, barcodes and more.
• Labeling - Bags can be labeled adhesive labels from print and apply labelers.
• Compact - Most bagging machines have a small footprint, allowing the bagging process to be automated even when floor space is limited.
• Flexibility - Bags can be cut to any length and width to accommodate all manner of products. Air expellers even eliminate air from bags, increasing packing space.
• Speed - Bagging machines can fill and label up to 40 to 60 bags per minute. With a relatively low cost to purchase, it’s one of the most cost-effective packaging and labeling methods available.
• Safety - Built-in safety features, like low-pressure jaw closure, ensure no injuries occur during the bagging process.
• Programmability - The size of the bag, the type of material, and more can all be determined by creating set job functions.

EXAMPLES OF BAGGED PACKAGED GOODS

Considering the versatility and flexibility of bagging, it’s not surprising that so many consumer commodities are bagged for sale. Here are some examples of goods commonly bagged:

• Fruits and vegetables, e.g., apples, pears, potatoes.
• Frozen foods, e.g., frozen meat or fish, frozen vegetables
• Cereals
• Coffee
• Milk
• Nuts, seeds, and dried fruits
• Flour, oatmeal, and other dry consumables
• Sweets and other confectionery
• Cannabis products

Even non-perishable goods, like soft furnishing, stationery, and even clothing, can be bagged in some circumstances.

LABELING BAGGED PACKAGED GOODS

Like all consumer products, bagged goods require some form of labeling. In the US, the majority of labeling requirements are determined at the state level. The Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA) determines the labeling requirements for all packages, goods, and commodities, including bagged packaged goods.

The FPLA states that all commodities must display the following information:

1. A statement identifying the commodity.
2. The name and place of business of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor.
3. The net quantity of contents in terms of weight, measure, or numerical count is displayed in metric units or US customary units.

In addition, the Uniform Packaging and Labeling Regulation (UPLR), adopted by 45 of the 50 US states, necessitates:

• The identity of the commodity
• The name and place of business of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor
• The net quantity of contents in terms of weight, mass, or numerical count

In most states, some labeling requirements exist for general perishables, eggs, milk and dairy, meat, fruits and vegetables, and other perishable goods.

Types of labeling

Automated bagging machines can easily integrate with labeling options for efficient, cost-effective packaging. Print and apply labelers can apply labels before or after filling. Inkjet printers can accurately and quickly print variable data like barcodes, date codes, lot codes, and other identifying information directly on the bags, no matter their material. Examples of the materials of bags include plastic, paper, wax paper, and burlap.

In addition to the reliability of AMI labelers and printers, team members have decades of experience

BAGGED PACKAGED GOODS ARE SAFE, EFFECTIVE, AND EASY TO LABEL

We’re ready to share our expertise if you need advice on printing & labeling your bagged packaged goods. Contact AMI today with any query, and we will be more than happy to guide you to the best solution for your process and application.