Any business owner or product manufacturer will agree that packaging plays a crucial role in protecting items on their journey from the factory to the customer’s home. Poor packaging can result in damaged or even spoiled goods which in turn leads to a major loss in profit margins.
It’s no wonder then that many business owners are opting to use a heat sealer to create a protective barrier between their products and everything they encounter en-route to the store or customer’s home. Not sure what heat sealing is and if it’s right for your product? Keep reading to find out more!
What is a Heat Sealer?
Essentially, a heat sealing machine is a device that uses heat to fuse two pieces of specialised plastic over your product to create an airtight enclosure. By doing this, the product stays fresher for longer and also can’t move around in the packet, which reduces the likelihood of damage.
Overall, heat sealing is the most cost-effective packaging application. Typically the heat sealing process happens at about 120-123°C. The thickness of bags can vary, so some may require additional seals and a cooldown period.
Is a Heat Sealer The Same as a Vacuum Sealer?
While both heat and vacuum sealers are commonly used to seal plastic bags, they are not the same. Heat sealers only use heat to fuse the ends of the bag or plastic sheets. Vacuum sealers, on the other hand, remove air from a plastic bag before applying a heat seal.
Vacuum sealing is preferred for perishable items such as food because the absence of oxygen in the bag extends the product’s shelf life. It also eliminates the onset of bacteria.
Heat Sealers Benefit Every Type of Packaging
There are a bunch of benefits to using a heat sealer. Our experts have listed the most significant to help you decide if this handy gadget is right for your business.
Creates an Airtight Seal
The most significant benefit of using a heat sealer is its ability to create secure, airtight seals. These seals keep the contents of the bag fresh and avoid drying out the contents. Packages containing anything from food to electronics and medical supplies will remain uncontaminated and safe from breakage.
Allows for Extended Shelf Life
In most instances, products are packaged long before they are actually consumed. They are also often transported over long distances. These conditions would render an unprotected product spoiled or damaged by the time it reaches its destination.
Airtight seals protect the product against external elements and contamination from being exposed to air. This in turn can extend a product’s shelf life from a few days up to a few months. Retailers and consumers can then easily stock up on these items without fear of them becoming spoiled in a few days.
Heat Sealing is Remarkably Versatile
Another huge benefit of heat sealers is that they can work with a wide variety of packaging materials. Materials such as plastic, fabric, paper and even foil can easily be sealed to create the perfect packaging solution.
With this type of versatility, heat sealing can be used in many different industries. Industries where these types of machines are used the most are:
- Pharmaceutical industry
- Packaging for electronics
- Food and beverage industry
- Industrial products
- Cosmetics
- Medical supplies
- Small businesses that package homemade items
Heat Sealers are Fast
When done manually, packaging can be quite time-consuming. This can delay other processes such as shipping and invoicing. Since heat sealers are remarkably fast, packages can be sealed within a matter of seconds.
In general, this means that more packaging can be done in less time which in turn means you can dispatch more packages on a weekly or monthly basis. Industries that require high-volume packaging find this feature a definite game-changer!
Environmentally Friendly
Companies that focus on sustainability and eco-friendly packaging processes will be delighted to learn that many heat sealers use recycled materials. This sustainable approach not only reduces the company’s carbon footprint but also boosts any green reputation they may be trying to create.
User-Friendly Machines
Any machinery that you incorporate into your business usually requires a certain amount of training. Fortunately, heat sealer machines are easy to operate, and training is quick and straightforward. There’s no need to schedule any downtime or slow the packaging process while you get staff trained on the new process.
Units are Cost-Effective
There may be an initial investment, especially if you’re buying more than one heat-sealing machine. However, your business will see a reduction in manual labour costs, mistakes made in the manual process and wastage of packing material. In the long run, this can make your initial investment well worth the money.
Final Thoughts
If you want your packaging to protect your products and at the same time enhance your brand name, then it’s a good idea to invest in a heat sealer. Streamlining your packaging process is an efficient way to get things done and at the same time boost your profits!
In conclusion, integrating a heat sealer into your business operations offers a myriad of benefits, ranging from preserving product freshness and extending shelf life to enhancing efficiency and reducing costs. These versatile machines create airtight seals across various packaging materials, catering to the needs of industries like pharmaceuticals, food, electronics, and cosmetics.
With the ability to seal packages quickly and effectively, heat sealers expedite the packaging process, enabling businesses to meet high-volume demands efficiently. Moreover, their user-friendly nature and cost-effectiveness make them a valuable investment for any enterprise looking to streamline operations and elevate brand reputation through secure and sustainable packaging practices.
In essence, investing in a heat sealer not only safeguards your products but also drives profitability by optimizing packaging processes and minimizing wastage, making it an indispensable tool for modern businesses.
