The right material for the product
We select film or paper by assessing product protection, closure strength and the required parcel presentation.
E-commerce packaging in film and paper — Hugo Beck machines
Right-sized packaging, reliable order identification and easy-to-open parcels. We match the machine, material and integration to the products you actually ship.
Author: Kamil Woliński
How can you automate e-commerce order packing? Hugo Beck machines form shipping packs from rolls of film or paper. FLEXO 700 e-com adjusts the pack length, while the fit version also adjusts the width. Paper packaging options include paper e-com fit and rapid. Selection starts with order dimensions, the protection required and peak hourly shipment volumes.
From a picked order to a packed shipment
An e-commerce packaging machine should fit your warehouse operation: order sizes, product mix, peak demand and picking processes. At POLPACK, we assess the entire stage from handing over a picked order to discharging the closed parcel.
Less manual packing
Automating pack forming and closure can reduce the workload on operators. We match the infeed arrangement to your existing warehouse workflow.
Control over cost per shipment
We consider material consumption, handling time and waste, together with any additional protective packaging and transport requirements.
FLEXO 700 e-com: a pack sized to the order
Hugo Beck e-commerce variants are designed for shipping applications. FLEXO 700 e-com automatically adjusts the bag length; the e-com fit variant also adjusts its width. Orders can be fed manually or the machine can be integrated into a line.
This is an important distinction from standard FLEXO 500 and 700 machines for batch production: automatic adjustment to varying shipment sizes is not a feature of every FLEXO configuration.
Paper packaging machines for e-commerce
The paper e-com fit and rapid family provides paper shipping packs with automatic length and width adjustment. Suitable uncoated and coated papers can be used.
Paper e-com fit combines two sewn sides with a glued overlap and can select paper from two rolls of different widths. The rapid version uses two sewn and two glued sides. The choice therefore concerns both throughput and the way the parcel is closed.
If the installation also needs to handle other packaging applications, explore PAPER-X machines and hybrid paper and film packaging solutions.
What do the finished shipping packs look like?
These Hugo Beck examples show film mailing bags and paper shipping packs from the relevant machine families. Scroll through the gallery to compare the different formats and closures.
Images: Hugo Beck; paper packaging photography: Ralf Knoeringer.
Comparing Hugo Beck shipping solutions
| Variant | Automatic adjustment | Material | Rated throughput |
|---|---|---|---|
| FLEXO 700 e-com | Pack length | Film; suitable coated paper with the appropriate configuration | Approximately 1,500 cycles/hour |
| FLEXO 700 e-com fit | Length and width | Film; suitable coated paper with the appropriate configuration | Approximately 1,100 cycles/hour |
| Paper e-com fit | Length and width | Uncoated or coated paper | Up to 600 cycles/hour |
| Paper e-com rapid | Length and width | Uncoated or coated paper | Up to 900 cycles/hour |
These figures refer to different machine variants. The throughput of a complete packing station also depends on the products, spacing, infeed and parcel labelling. We confirm the specification against your actual order mix.
Labelling, order identification and returns
The configuration can include a scanner, communication with an ERP or warehouse control system, and shipping label generation. Optional perforation makes packs easier to open, while an additional adhesive strip allows a bag to be resealed for a return.
During project planning, we establish the source of address data, when the order is identified and how the packing station responds to a failed scan. This allows the whole process to be assessed, rather than selecting a machine solely on its maximum cycle rate.
Film or paper? Start with the protection required
We consider parcel contents, sharp edges, sensitivity to moisture and compression, the need to conceal the product and customer requirements. Not every item can be shipped directly in a bag: fragile products may need additional protection.
POLPACK supplies packaging materials for machines and shipping (PL). For selected applications, we also assess OLYMPIA PAPER with heat-activated adhesive (PL). Compatibility with a particular machine needs to be established through trials; this is a different process from using adhesive applied by the machine.
If the product needs a neatly shrink-wrapped individual pack before dispatch, we also select suitable POF shrink films. The individual product pack and the shipping pack serve different purposes.
See film and paper packaging in action
The videos show example machine configurations. We select equipment and materials for your shipments through an application assessment.
How do you choose a packaging machine for an e-commerce warehouse?
- Format and protection: dimensions, weight, sharp edges, vulnerability to damage and whether you ship individual products or sets.
- Your actual warehouse workflow: peak order volumes, infeed and discharge arrangements, and the time needed for roll changes.
- Cost per packed shipment: film or paper consumption, waste, operator time and additional protection. Pack fit is assessed alongside product protection during transport.
Prepare your smallest and largest orders, typical product combinations, hourly demand and details of your labelling system. We will compare pack quality, material consumption and handling. Packaging trials in the POLPACK showroom or at the manufacturer can be arranged to suit the configuration required.
We have worked with Hugo Beck for nearly 25 years, combining technology selection with materials, commissioning, training and support from our service team.
Questions about automated e-commerce packaging
Can the machine pack orders of different sizes?
Yes, with suitable e-commerce variants. FLEXO 700 e-com adjusts the length, while the fit variant also adjusts the width. We always establish the required size range and product types.
Does film packaging require a shrink tunnel?
Not every shipping application requires shrinking. We select the closure method and determine whether a tunnel is needed according to the film and the required result.
Can paper replace film on an existing machine?
This depends on the material, web handling and closure system. Our technical team can assess the machine and plan a trial.
Can packing be integrated with labelling?
We design this integration around the data source, scanning, controls and label application method.
Complete your parcel packing station
E-commerce warehouses often use several shipping methods. Alongside packs formed from a roll, you may need cartons with protective packaging or pre-made bags. We match the equipment to each product group and the organisation of the packing stations.
Void fill for parcels
Paper and air cushions help secure the contents and reduce movement inside a carton. We select the type and amount of protection for the product.
Paper and air void-fill solutions → (PL)PREGIS machines
Air cushion systems help protect products inside cartons. PREGIS SHARP SX and MAX bagging machines provide a separate option for packing into pre-made bags.
PREGIS air cushion systems → (PL)
PREGIS SHARP bagging machines → (PL)Carton sealing tapes
We select hand and machine tapes to suit the corrugated board, parcel weight and shipping conditions. Printed tapes can also carry your branding.
OLYMPIA packaging tapes for hand and machine application →Carton sealers
For carton shipments, we select a sealer for uniform-size batches or successive cartons of different dimensions. Automation can also include top-flap folding.
Compare carton sealing machines →Find the right solution for your warehouse
Discover Hugo Beck and our experience of working together.
Explore Hugo Beck packaging machines (PL) and discuss your products, materials and required throughput with us.
Discuss your e-commerce packaging