Choosing the right packaging equipment is an important decision for food manufacturers. Two popular options are thermoforming and tray sealing. Both provide secure, attractive packaging and can support technologies such as Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP), but they work in different ways.
Understanding the differences can help you determine which solution is best for your products and production requirements.
What Is Tray Sealing?
Tray sealing uses preformed trays that are filled with product and then sealed with a flexible top film.
Tray sealers are commonly used for:
- Fresh meat and poultry
- Seafood
- Ready-to-eat meals
- Fresh produce
- Dairy products
- Prepared foods
Tray sealing offers excellent flexibility and is often a good choice for manufacturers packaging multiple products or tray sizes.
What Is Thermoforming?
Thermoforming creates the package directly from rolls of flexible film. The bottom film is heated and formed into a custom-shaped cavity before the product is loaded. A top film is then sealed over the package.
Thermoforming is commonly used for:
- Fresh meat
- Processed meats
- Seafood
- Cheese
- Ready meals
- High-volume food production
Because the package is formed during production, thermoforming can provide greater control over package size and design.
Thermoforming vs. Tray Sealing
The right choice depends on your production goals.
| Thermoforming | Tray Sealing | |
|---|---|---|
| Packaging | Forms package from roll stock | Uses preformed trays |
| Production Volume | Ideal for high-volume production | Low to high volume |
| Flexibility | Custom package formats | Multiple tray formats |
| Material Costs | Can reduce packaging material costs | Higher tray material cost |
| Changeovers | Best for consistent production runs | Often easier for multiple products |
| MAP/VSP | Available | Available |
When Should You Choose Thermoforming?
Thermoforming may be the better solution if your operation:
- Produces large volumes
- Wants to reduce packaging material costs
- Needs custom package dimensions
- Runs longer production cycles
- Wants to maximize packaging automation
For high-volume manufacturers, thermoforming can provide significant efficiency and material savings.
When Should You Choose Tray Sealing?
Tray sealing may be the better option if your business:
- Packages a variety of products
- Uses multiple tray sizes
- Requires frequent changeovers
- Wants flexibility in package formats
- Is growing toward higher levels of automation
Tray sealing can be particularly attractive for manufacturers that need versatility without committing to a fully thermoformed packaging format.
Which Is Right for Your Business?
There is no single solution that works for every food manufacturer. The best choice depends on production volume, product type, packaging format, material costs, automation requirements, and future growth.
RTG Packaging offers both ILPRA tray sealing equipment and Veripack thermoforming systems, allowing us to help manufacturers evaluate both options and select the technology that best fits their operation.
Find the Right Packaging Solution
Whether you’re looking to increase production capacity, reduce packaging costs, or improve package presentation, RTG Packaging can help.
Contact us to discuss your application and find the right tray sealing or thermoforming solution for your business.