Keep the packaging route distinct
This page concerns several trays grouped inside a PE film sleeve for transit or multipack handling. It is not a tray-lidding process, an individual stretch-overwrap process or a decorative shrink-sleeve label application. Where an individual product needs an appropriate fully enclosed shrink bag, compare the separate L-sealing machinery route.
Food tray variables to include in the trial| Pack feature | Engineering question | Acceptance evidence |
|---|
| Tray rigidity and walls | Does the tray remain square while pushed, wrapped and heated, and can its edges contact the film safely? | No tray collapse, curl or corner damage after cooling. |
| Product overhang and contents | Do lids, rims or contents project beyond the tray, and is the centre of gravity stable during transfer? | Group remains aligned without lid scuffing, product movement or contact damage. |
| Heat sensitivity | What temperature exposure can the food, tray, lid, adhesive, ink and label tolerate? | No distortion, seal damage, label lifting or unacceptable product condition under the approved process. |
| Base support | Is the group tray-supported, pad-supported or expected to run directly on the container bases? | The base transfers across the wrapper, tunnel and discharge without snagging or opening the group. |
| Film and seal position | Does the film width provide the required wrap and overlap without placing the seal against a vulnerable edge? | Continuous seal, controlled corner thinning and no holes or exposed sharp points. |
| Cooling and handling | How soon will the bundle accumulate, turn, be lifted or be palletised? | The cooled pack survives the representative downstream movement and handling test. |
Approve the production pack, not only the tunnel appearance
Run the smallest, largest and least stable tray groups at production-equivalent weight. Use the intended PE film and normal pack spacing, then include a short stop and restart. Inspect collation and the seal before shrinking; inspect film distribution at the tunnel exit; and assess the cooled pack after the actual transfer and handling route.
Record the approved bundle, tray, film, guide positions, seal controls, tunnel settings, conveyor setting, spacing and cooling arrangement. The multipack page explains support choices, the PE film page covers material control and the tunnel page covers heat, airflow and cooling.
