Food Packaging Tray Sealing Machine

Tray Sealing Machine for Food Packaging

Tray Sealing Machine

In today’s fast-paced food industry, freshness, hygiene and shelf appeal are critical. Whether you run a meal prep company, grocery store, deli or food manufacturing business, a food packaging tray sealing machine can revolutionize your operations. This guide will walk you through what tray sealers are, how they work, their benefits, types and how to choose the right one.

What Is a Food Packaging Tray Sealing Machine?

A tray sealing machine is a device used to seal plastic, aluminum, or compostable trays with a film (usually plastic or foil) to preserve the food inside. These machines are widely used for sealing ready meals, fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, and even desserts.

If you have a small container, you can also use a standard automatic cup sealing machine and modify it to your specific container.

How Does a Tray Sealing Machine Work?

  • Tray Loading – You or your staff load the food into pre-formed trays.

  • Film Positioning – A roll of sealing film is placed in the machine.

  • Sealing – The machine applies heat and pressure to seal the film over the tray.

  • Cutting – The machine trims the film for a clean, professional look.

  • Output – The sealed tray is ejected, ready for storage, sale, or transport.

Some machines offer vacuum or MAP (Modified Atmosphere Packaging) functions to extend shelf life.

Benefits of Using a Tray Sealing Machine

✅ Improved Hygiene

Sealed trays protect food from contaminants and reduce the risk of spoilage.

✅ Extended Shelf Life

Sealing slows down oxidation and helps preserve taste and freshness, especially when paired with vacuum or gas flushing.

✅ Professional Packaging

Clean, tight seals enhance presentation and customer trust.

✅ Increased Efficiency

Automating sealing saves labor and increases throughput—especially important for growing businesses.

✅ Reduced Food Waste

Longer shelf life means fewer expired products and better inventory management.

Types of Tray Sealing Machines

🔹 Manual Tray Sealers

  • Great for small businesses or food trucks

  • Lower cost and portable

  • Slower and require manual labor

  • Best for low-volume production

🔹 Semi-Automatic Tray Sealers

  • Ideal for medium-sized operations

  • Operator places the tray; machine handles sealing and cutting

  • Faster than manual; lower labor cost

🔹 Fully Automatic Tray Sealers

  • Used in high-volume factories

  • Conveyor belts load, seal, and discharge trays automatically

  • Can integrate with filling, labeling, and MAP systems

Tray Material Compatibility

A good tray sealing machine should work with various tray types:

  • PP (Polypropylene) – Most common; heat-resistant and recyclable

  • PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) – Great for cold foods

  • CPET – Suitable for oven or microwave use

  • Aluminum trays – Ideal for oven-ready meals

  • Compostable/eco trays – For eco-conscious brands

Film Options

  • Plastic sealing film – Clear or printed

  • Foil sealing film – Used for high-barrier or heat-retaining applications

  • Peelable vs. Permanent seal – Choose based on how your customer will open it

Key Features to Look For

  • Adjustable temperature and pressure

  • Digital controls and timers

  • Mold size flexibility (for different tray shapes)

  • MAP/vacuum compatibility

  • Easy-clean surfaces (stainless steel preferred)

  • Compact footprint for small kitchens

Who Uses Tray Sealing Machines?

Tray sealing machines are used in:

  • Meal prep companies

  • Ready-to-eat food manufacturers

  • Butcher shops and delis

  • Grocery stores and supermarkets

  • Airlines and hospital catering services

  • Food delivery businesses

Choosing the Right Tray Sealer

Ask yourself:

  • How many trays do I need to seal per hour?

  • Do I need MAP or vacuum functions?

  • What types of trays will I use?

  • How much space do I have?

  • What’s my budget?

If you’re unsure, start with a semi-automatic model—you can scale up later as your business grows.

Cost of Tray Sealing Machines

  • Manual sealers: $200 – $1,000

  • Semi-automatic sealers: $2,000 – $10,000

  • Fully automatic systems: $15,000 – $100,000+

Prices depend on capacity, features, and brand. Buying quality often pays off with better reliability and longer life.

Conclusion

A food packaging tray sealing machine is more than just a piece of equipment—it’s an investment in food safety, branding, and efficiency. Whether you’re sealing 100 or 10,000 meals a day, there’s a solution that fits your needs. By choosing the right tray sealer, you’ll save time, reduce waste, and deliver a better product to your customers.