PACKAGING TECHNOLOGY · HUGO BECK

Paper and film packaging on one machine — Hugo Beck solutions

One line can handle different packaging materials when it is equipped to do so. Selection starts with the product, the required closure and the production workflow.

Author: Kamil Woliński

When does a hybrid solution make sense?

A hybrid solution can be useful when customers require different packs, a business is developing new products or it wants to retain the option of changing materials. With the right specification, paper and film production can be planned without maintaining separate packing stations for each task. The expected frequency of material and format changes should be established from the outset.

Paper, film and pack closure

Material	How is the pack closed?	What needs to be checked?
Uncoated paper	Gluing; sewing and gluing in selected systems	Grammage, stiffness, adhesive application and closure strength
Coated paper	Heat sealing or another process suited to the material	Coating type and its processing window
Film	Heat sealing, with optional subsequent shrinking	Formulation, gauge, sealability, pack fit and product protection

Paper and film differ in appearance and performance. We assess product visibility, resistance to shipping conditions, pack strength and customer requirements. Choosing paper alone does not establish whether a pack is suitable for a particular application.

Which PAPER-X version should you choose?

The PAPER-X family includes different technologies. The material and closure method need to be established before selecting a model.

Version	Materials and application	Key distinction
Paper X	Paper packaging	A dedicated paper solution that can apply adhesive to uncoated paper.
Paper X hybrid	Paper and film	Top-overlap closure, with the process matched to the selected material.
Paper X hybrid advance	Paper and film	Extended capabilities, including film side sealing.
Paper X e-com	Paper shipping packs	Automatic adjustment of pack length.

Paper e-com fit and rapid are also available for varying orders, using different pack-forming and closure arrangements. See our separate guide to automated e-commerce packaging in paper and film.

What is involved in switching from film to paper?

Changeover involves more than replacing the roll. Web handling, conveyor settings, pack forming and the closure process all need to be matched to the material. For glued packs, the adhesive and its application method also matter. Changeover time is established for the specific materials and configuration, rather than quoting one time for every machine.

Do you need to buy a new machine?

Not in every case. The POLPACK technical team can assess an existing machine, its closure system and its ability to handle paper. Some applications may require settings to be changed or additional equipment; others need a dedicated solution. Assessment requires the machine model, a product sample and the material you intend to use.

Materials: POF shrink film and OLYMPIA PAPER

For shrink-wrapped packs, we select POF polyolefin shrink films for packaging machines, taking the sealing system, shrink tunnel and required product presentation into account.

For selected applications, an alternative may be OLYMPIA PAPER — heat-sealable packaging paper (PL) with heat-activated adhesive. Suitability for an existing machine is assessed through material and settings trials. This differs from a Hugo Beck machine applying adhesive directly to uncoated paper; we select the appropriate process for the product and equipment.

How do we compare cost per finished pack?

We compare material consumption per product, closure cost, actual throughput and format changeover time. Start-up waste, operator input and the required level of protection are also included. The price per kilogram of film or paper alone does not show which option will be more economical.

PAPER-X in practice: packing lampshades

Explore a POLPACK installation using Hugo Beck PAPER-X to pack lampshades in paper instead of film (PL). It demonstrates how the material and closure method are matched to a specific product.

Packaging examples and machines in operation

See how packs are formed and closed. The videos show particular machine configurations; equipment for your product is specified during the selection process.

Material trials and POLPACK support

Prepare product samples, the required formats, target throughput and an example of the finished pack. We will agree the scope of trials and the availability of suitable equipment in the showroom or at the manufacturer. This allows pack quality and machine operation to be assessed before choosing a configuration.

Frequently asked questions

Can every PAPER-X machine also pack in film?

No. Suitably configured hybrid versions are designed to run both materials.

Does the paper need a plastic coating?

Not for every process. Systems that apply adhesive can work with suitable uncoated paper.

Does paper packaging need to be shrink-wrapped?

No. In the solutions described here, paper is formed and closed by gluing, sewing or heat sealing a suitable layer. Shrinking is a separate process used with shrink film.