In June 2021, Parsons-Eagle pioneered using heat-sealable adhesives on 100% recyclable paper substrates in vertical form fill seal (VFFS) machines.

FFS packaging refers to methods where a single machine forms the package, usually out of flexible material, fills it with the product, and seals it. Occasionally, the term describes equipment that forms a plastic bottle from resin, fills it, and seals it.

In February 2023, PC Flexible Packaging, purchased StePac, MAPfresh Holdings, located in Tefen, Israel. Leading the way in flexible film conversion, printing, pouches, and other package ideas, including prototypes, is PPC. It is acknowledged as a leader in the cleanroom packaging industry for horticulture, pet care, consumer snacks, specialty produce, organic brands, and medical and healthcare applications.

In May 2023, Interpack witnessed advancement in vertical bagging quickly as Syntegon introduced four machines for VFFS applications in several food industries with its SVX series. The new VFFS machine series gives manufacturers of frozen food, baked goods, confections, and snacks an advantage over rivals by combining great pack style versatility with user-friendly features.

FFS packaging machines offer a unique benefit because they reduce human interaction during packaging, maintain hygienic conditions, and reduce the chance of contamination. Furthermore, these devices can handle a variety of materials, such as PET and PP.

Machines that use horizontal form fill seals (HFFS) are frequently used to package non-flowing, solid objects. With its twin sealing and moulding stations, these HFFS machines offer an advantage to operations that need to alter pack sizes frequently. Two stations reduce downtime and increase operational efficiency by facilitating quick and easy changeovers.

These machines are a dependable way for companies that deal with a wide range of products - particularly those in the food packaging industry - to satisfy the demands of packing various items. The capacity of VFFS machines to accommodate both liquid and solid goods, in conjunction with the changeover capabilities of HFFS machines, renders them essential elements in the contemporary packaging environment.

The nature of the food industry has led to a need for packing automation, with manufacturers seeking to boost production capacity while improving worker safety for those involved in food processing.

Automation solves the drawbacks of labour-intensive processes and lowers the cost of physical labour while increasing production efficiency. With this technology, food may be prepared for shipment thanks to VFFS equipment. The product is inserted into the elongated plastic tube that the VFFS apparatus creates during the process. After that, the machine closes the package, protecting the contents and handling and sorting the leftover plastic.