If you are thinking about automating your coffee packaging process, you may have received a lot of information and feel overwhelmed.
This guide will help you understand the different types of automated coffee packaging machines, their functions, the types of products and bags they can handle, and where you can find more information to help you make a decision.
So, please sit back and relax with a cup of coffee, and let’s dive into the world of coffee packaging equipment.
Table of Contents
Form fill seal (FFS) coffee packaging machines
Form fill seal (FFS) coffee packaging machines are automated machines that create, fill, and seal packages in a single continuous process.
There are two main types of FFS coffee packaging equipment: vertical form fill and seal (VFFS), and horizontal form fill seal (HFFS). VFFS machines operate in a vertical position, taking up less floor space but requiring additional height, while HFFS machines operate horizontally, requiring more floor space but less height.
VFFS machines are popular in the coffee industry due to their lower cost, ability to create various bag styles and efficient use of space. They can also operate at high speeds and are known for their tried, tested, and proven technologies.
VFFS equipment is a widely-used and effective solution for coffee packaging needs.
1.1 Machine Operation & Performance:
VFFS coffee bagging machines use a particular former to create bags from roll stock, a large roll of packaging film. The machine then fills the newly formed bags with coffee and seals them shut.
These actions take place quickly, with some VFFS machines producing up to 100 bags per minute. The machine’s speed depends on the machine’s construction and the product being packaged.
To fill the bags with coffee, VFFS machines typically use fillers such as multi head weigher or augers filler to dispense precise amounts of coffee. Packway Machinery also provides a turnkey solution and integrates them into the packaging system.
Overall, VFFS machines are efficient and effective at packaging coffee quickly and accurately.
1.2 Coffee Packaging Applications:
VFFS machines are widely used in the coffee industry for packaging various coffee products, including coffee beans, ground coffee, and instant coffee.
These machines are known for their efficiency and effectiveness in packaging coffee and can operate at high speeds to meet the demands of the industry.
They can also create various bag styles and incorporate features to maintain the freshness of the coffee. Overall, VFFS machines are an ideal solution for coffee packaging needs.
1.3 Applicable Coffee Bag Styles:
The choice of bag style will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the coffee producer. VFFS machines can create a wide range of bag styles, including pillow bags for single-serve packs, flat bottom or quad seal bags for retail or bulk packs, and bag-in-bag styles for small fractional groups sealed inside a large outer wrap.
These bag styles provide different options for packaging and marketing coffee to consumers.
1.4 Machine Options To Keep Coffee Freshness:
Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) is a popular option for VFFS coffee packaging systems as it helps preserve the coffee’s freshness and extend its shelf life.
MAP can be achieved in several ways, such as attaching one-way valves to the film during the packaging process to allow carbon dioxide to escape while preventing oxygen from entering or flushing the bag out with nitrogen gas prior to filling to displace oxygen.
These methods are commonly used in many industries to help maintain the quality of perishable products.
1.5 Considerations For Coffee Packaging:
For the coffee industry, it is recommended to use VFFS machines with enclosed jaw drives as they protect the internal seal jaw components from particulates and build-up that could affect operation.
A continuous motion VFFS machine is a good choice for high-speed packaging of small pillow bags. This system has been improved to double throughput with half the labor effectively.
In addition, vacuum pull belts are recommended for coffee packaging machinery as they use vacuum suction to grip the film for transport, rather than friction, which can be affected by particulates in dusty or oily products like coffee.
Vacuum pull belts are more resistant to wear and do not have their transport impaired by particulates.
1.6 Reason to choose Vffs Machine for coffee packaging:
There are several reasons why a business may choose to use VFFS coffee packaging machines, including the ability to package coffee quickly and efficiently, create various bag styles, and maintain the freshness of the coffee. VFFS machines can also be cost-effective and take up minimal floor space.
Premade Pouch Coffee Packaging equipment
There are two main types of fill and seal equipment for coffee: Rotary premade pouch packing machine and horizontal premade pouch packing machine.
Horizontal premade pouch machines operate horizontally and require less floor space, as the start and end points are located close to each other.
In contrast, rotary premade pouch machines operate in the rotary circle and require more floor space, as the whole system consists of more stations than the horizontal pouch packing machine. Horizontal premade pouch packing machines are popular in the coffee industry due to their lower cost, ability to maximize available floor space, and simple, ease-of-use design for operators.
1.1 Machine Operation & Performance:
Premade pouch fill and seal machines are used for packaging coffee in pre-made pouches purchased from a film supplier.
These machines grip the pouch from the pouch magazine, which can be stored 200-300 pouches, then open the pouch, fill, and seal the pouches with coffee.
Several types of premade pouch machines are available, including simplex (one lane) and duplex (two lanes).
In most coffee projects, coffee companies only choose simple machines if they have higher throughput needs. The coffee is typically dispensed into the pouches using fillers, such as multi head weigher for coffee beans or auger filler for ground coffee,
Overall, premade pouch machines are an efficient and effective solution for coffee packaging.
1.2 Coffee Packaging Applications:
Premade pouch fill and seal machines are suitable for packaging all types of coffee, including whole bean coffee, ground, instant coffee, etc. These machines can efficiently and accurately package coffee using pre-made pouches, making them a reliable and effective solution for coffee packaging needs.
1.3 Applicable Coffee Bag Styles:
Coffee producers often use premade pouch packing machines to fill and seal their products.
Two of the coffee industry’s most commonly performed pouches are quad performed and stand-up pouches with zippers, known as Doy-style.
Quad seal packages have a four-corner opening, which requires additional design considerations and options to be added to the fill and seal machine, resulting in extra cost. To avoid this, some coffee producers opt for stand-up pouches with a two corner opening instead.
However, for those who prefer the standard quad bag, a VFFS machine is more cost-effective as it offers more flexibility.
1.4 Machine Options To Keep Coffee Freshness:
Premade pouch machines can also be used for Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) options such as Nitrogen flush. However, if one-way valves are desired, they must be applied by the film supplier before filling and sealing the pouch. This is known as pre-applied valves, a critical aspect to remember when choosing the suitable packaging solution for your coffee products.
1.5 Considerations For Coffee Packaging:
The Packway Machinery automatic pouch filling and sealing models R200 and R250 are top-rated among coffee producers. They are easy to operate and set up, making them an excellent option for growing coffee producers who want to switch from manual packaging to automation. We highly recommend these models for coffee producers looking for a reliable and efficient packaging solution. A dust hood above the filling device is also recommended to collect dust and other particles, helping to keep the machine clean and prolonging its lifespan.
1.6 Reason to choose Premade Pouch Packaging Machine for coffee packaging:
Premade pouch packaging machines are an excellent option for coffee packaging. They are highly efficient and can produce a large number of pouches in a short amount of time, making them ideal for high-volume coffee packaging operations.
They can accommodate a wide range of pouch sizes and styles, including stand-up pouches, flat-bottom pouches, and gusseted pouches, making them versatile for different types of coffee packaging.
Stick Pack Coffee packaging machine
When it comes to stick pack machines are widely used equipment in the packaging industry. The primary decision to make when choosing one is to determine the number of lanes required to meet the desired production rate. These machines are available in a range of lane configurations, from 2 to 14 lanes.
1.1 Machine Operation & Performance:
Stick pack machines function similarly as vertical form fill seal equipment, but with some variations. The machine uses a large roll of packaging film that is divided into a number of lanes. These strips are then shaped into stick packs using small forming collars, filled with product, and sealed closed.
These machines typically have a maximum speed of 70 bags per minute per lane, which can be increased to 840 bags per minute when using the maximum number of 14 lanes.
When it comes to coffee, the machine uses either augers or volumetric fillers to measure and dispense the coffee into the stick packs. Many packaging equipment manufacturers offer a single-source option where they handle the quoting, ordering, and integration of all the machines into a complete system.
1.2 Coffee Packaging Applications:
Stick pack machines are designed to work with the ground or powdered/instant coffee, as whole beans are too large to pass through the machine’s components.
1.3 Applicable Coffee Bag Styles:
When using a stick pack machine, you are restricted to one type of bag, the stick pack. However, there are several variations within this bag type, such as stick packs sealed on the top and bottom or a three-side-seal. Additional features like tear notches pour spouts, chain bags, different crimp (seal) styles, and different cut types are also available for customization.
1.4 Machine Options To Keep Coffee Freshness:
Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) is a feature that can be added to stick pack machines and includes options like a gas flush. However, it is not possible to have one-way valves on stick packs.
1.5 Considerations For Coffee Packaging:
You can purchase change kits for your packaging machines if you need to package different sizes or types of products. These kits allow you to switch out parts and adjust the machines to accommodate different bag sizes or styles. However, it is necessary to remember that the machines will need to be stopped during this process.
When packaging powder products such as coffee, it is important to consider options to control dust. We suggest using suction nozzles and static elimination methods to minimize dust during the packaging process.
1.6 Reason to choose Stick Pack Machine for coffee packaging:
Stick pack machines are an excellent option for single-serving coffee packaging. They offer a high level of versatility, precision, and output capacity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, various types of coffee packaging machines are available in the market, each with its advantages and disadvantages.
Vertical form fill seal machine, Stick pack machines, and premade pouch packaging machines are examples of the many options available for coffee packaging.
It’s important to consider your specific needs and requirements when choosing a machine, the size of your operation, and the types of bags or packaging you need to use.
This guide has provided an overview of the different types of coffee packaging equipment and what products and bag types they can accommodate.
By considering these factors and conducting further research, you’ll be well on finding the right packaging machine for your coffee operation.
