FAQ
Polypack is a U.S. manufacturer of shrink wrap machines, case packers, and corrugated packaging systems. Since 1959, we have designed compact, high-efficiency equipment for food, beverage, dairy, personal care, nutraceutical, and industrial products. Our machines run clear and printed film, trays, pads, and wraparound cases, delivering consistent uptime, material savings, and strong retail or distribution packs. This FAQ answers common questions about film options, pack styles, changeovers, sustainability, and support services.
Frequently Asked Questions About Polypack Packaging Machinery
Buying & Scoping
Q: What products can Polypack machines handle?
A: Polypack machines are designed to run bottles, cans, cartons, tubes, rolls, and other rigid or semi-rigid products. Custom infeed systems stabilize unstable products such as aerosols, while forming-head systems manage large rolls and textiles.
Q: What speeds can your machines achieve?
A: Speeds vary by model and pack pattern. For example, our continuous motion shrink wrappers can run up to 200+ packs per minute, while high-speed bundlers like the Velocity are designed for large-volume beverage lines.
Q: How fast is changeover between SKUs?
A: Polypack systems are engineered for tool-less changeover and recipe-driven adjustments. Typical changeover time ranges from minutes for film and tray size changes to slightly longer when pack orientation or collation changes are required.
Shrink Wrapping
Q: Can Polypack machines run printed film?
A: Yes. Clearprint and Tango series machines register printed film with sensors and servo controls to create retail-ready multipacks without labels or cartons.
Q: What’s the difference between bullseye and total-closure packs?
A: Bullseye packs leave an open hole on the sides, making them cost-effective for distribution. Total-closure packs are fully sealed, providing a premium retail appearance and added product protection.
Q: What type of shrink film can I use?
A: Our machines run LDPE, polyolefin (POF), and recyclable PE shrink films in a variety of gauges. We can help you qualify films, including store-drop-off recyclable and post-consumer recycled blends.
Q: Do I need tray or pad support for my products?
A: Stable products often run unsupported. Unstable or heavy items benefit from a tray or pad for added strength in distribution.
Case Packing
Q: When should I use a wraparound case instead of an RSC?
A: Wraparound cases use less corrugate (up to 30 percent savings) and create a tighter, stronger package. RSC cases remain common for smaller runs or where existing logistics are built around that format.
Q: Do you offer tray forming and loading in one system?
A: Yes. Our TR series forms and fills trays in one compact system. For modular lines, the TE is a stand-alone tray former.
Q: What is JacketPack?
A: JacketPack is Polypack’s patented corrugate sleeve plus shrink solution. It delivers RSC-like pallet strength at lower cost, weight, and material use.
Integration & Utilities
Q: What are the electrical and air requirements?
A: Requirements vary by model. Most systems require 480V three-phase power and compressed air. Detailed utility specifications are provided for each machine during project planning.
Q: Can Polypack machines integrate with my existing line?
A: Yes. Our equipment interfaces with upstream fillers, cappers, and labelers, as well as downstream palletizers. Integration includes matched infeed/outfeed heights, PLC communication, and line control.
Safety & Acceptance
Q: How does Polypack ensure operator safety?
A: All machines are built to ANSI/PMMI B155.1 standards and include interlocked guarding, emergency stops, and lockout/tagout points.
Q: What is a Factory Acceptance Test (FAT)?
A: Before shipment, each machine runs customer products at specified speeds and pack styles. FAT includes acceptance criteria, performance reports, and operator training.
Operations & Changeover
Q: How reliable are Polypack machines?
A: Polypack machines are designed for high OEE with durable construction, preventive maintenance plans, and remote diagnostics support.
Q: How much training is provided?
A: We provide operator training during installation and FAT. Manuals, maintenance guides, and spare parts lists are included. Additional training is available upon request.
SUSTAINABILITY
Q: Can Polypack help reduce packaging materials?
A: Yes. Options such as wraparound cases, JacketPack sleeves, and thinner recyclable films cut packaging material while maintaining distribution strength.
Soutien
Q: What support is included after purchase?
A: Polypack provides installation, operator training, preventive inspections, retrofits, spare parts, and 24/7 technical support.
Q: How quickly can service be dispatched?
A: Remote phone support is available immediately. On-site service can typically be scheduled within 24–48 hours, depending on location.
Events & Demonstrations
Q: Where can I see Polypack machines in action?
A: Machines are demonstrated at Pack Expo and other major shows. Private demos are available at our Pinellas Park, Florida facility.
Film Shrink Wrappers
Q: Can your machines run print-registered film for retail-ready packs?
A: Yes, our Clearprint and Tango lines handle clear, random print, and print-registered film with quick changeovers.
Q: What’s best for unstable products like aerosol cans?
A: The ILB/CMB series uses a patented bucket conveyor and pick-&-place gantry to stabilize, collate, rotate, stack, and bundle.
Q: Do you support tray packs at high speed?
A: Yes, the IL/CMS series is purpose-built for trays with intermittent or continuous motion options.
Total-Closure Pack
Q: When do I need total-closure vs. bullseye?
A: Choose total-closure for full product protection and premium retail finish; use bullseye for efficient distribution bundles. FH/CFH and FIL/FIL-NT cover both needs.
Q: Can you wrap very long or round rolls?
A: Yes, FIL/FIL-NT use a forming head to create fully sealed or bagged formats for rectangular or round profiles.
Corrugated Packaging
Q: How can I reduce corrugate costs?
A: Wraparound case packing uses up to ~30% less material than RSC while maintaining pallet strength; JacketPack sleeves cut weight and waste further.
Q: Do you offer tray forming and loading in one system?
A: Yes, TR forms and fills trays; TE is a stand-alone former for modular lines.
Unwrapper & Safety
Q: How does the Unwrapper improve safety and throughput?
A: It replaces manual cutting with an automated cut-and-remove cycle, reducing injury risk and speeding rework.
Soutien
Q: What support comes with a new machine?
A: Installation, operator training, preventive inspections, performance audits, retrofits, parts, and emergency service.
Compare Solutions
Bullseye vs. Total-Closure
Bullseye wraps leave the sides of the bundle open, making them ideal for fast, economical distribution packs. Total-closure wraps fully seal the product on all sides, creating a retail-ready package with maximum protection.
Tray Pack vs. Wraparound Case
Tray packs provide a sturdy base for bottles, cans, or cartons, often combined with shrink film. Wraparound cases use a die-cut corrugate blank that wraps tightly around the product, reducing corrugate use by up to 30 percent compared to RSC.
Printed Film vs. Corrugate Sleeve
Printed film multipacks offer strong shelf appeal with registered graphics directly on the film, reducing the need for labels or cartons. Corrugate sleeve packs such as JacketPack combine shrink film with a sleeve for distribution strength and pallet stability.
Popular Use Cases
Dairy Multipacks
High-speed shrink wrappers and tray systems for milk, yogurt, and other dairy multipacks.
Aerosol Club Packs
Patented bucket conveyors stabilize light or unstable products such as aerosol cans, creating secure club packs.
Long Rolls and Textiles
Forming-head total-closure machines designed to wrap carpets, flooring, and large rolls in fully sealed or bag formats.
Hand-Load Co-Packing
Versatile shrink bundlers for contract packagers who need quick changeovers and flexibility for clear or printed film.
Last updated August 2025
Contact
+1 727.578.5000
"L'équipe de Polypack a été sensible à nos commentaires et a procédé à des ajustements clés, livrant une machine de haute qualité à un prix compétitif. Nous sommes très satisfaits des performances de notre nouvelle machine Polypack !"
-Orlando Carrillo, directeur de l'ingénierie, Del Monte