There are a wide variety of packing methods and procedures used to keep things safe and sound during transport. Packaging with either a fin seal or a lap seal is very prevalent. Each of these approaches has its own set of benefits and may be used in various contexts.
This article will compare and contrast fin seal packaging with lap seal packaging, discussing their respective advantages and typical applications.
Fin Seal
Vertical form fill and seal (VFFS) or fin seal packaging is a method of packaging in which a tube is created by wrapping a product in a continuous roll of flexible packaging material.
Heat or adhesives are used to seal the edges of the packing material together vertically on the package’s rear. For ease of product placement, the package front is left open. After the item has been inserted, the package is sealed and cut off from the roll.
Benefits
There are a number of benefits to using fin seal packaging. Its transparent front panel allows customers to easily see the contents before purchasing. This is especially useful in retail settings, where displaying the goods for customers is crucial to its success.
Fin seal packaging often makes use of lightweight, flexible packaging material, which helps keep shipping costs down. Snacks, candy, pet food, and other consumer goods often come in this type of packaging.
Lap Seal
To create a horizontal tube around the product, as in lap seal packaging, also known as horizontal form fill seal (HFFS), the packing material is created.
A horizontal seal is created on the package’s reverse side by folding over the material and sealing the edges together, either using heat or adhesives.
Typically, the front is unzipped so that the product may be inserted. The package is opened, the product is placed inside, and the top is shut.
Benefits
The benefits of lap seal packing cannot be ignored. Particularly useful for items that need extra protection and longevity during shipping and storage, it creates a tight and secure seal.
The package’s back is flat, so it’s simple to stack and arrange on shelves. Products such as frozen meals, fresh vegetables, medical supplies, and industrial components are frequently packaged with lap seal packaging.
Comparison Between Them
Securely enclosing items is the goal of both the fin seal and the lap seal packing procedures, but there are important distinctions between the two:
- Appearance-wise, fin seal packaging has a transparent front for enhanced product visibility, while lap seal packaging has a flat back for easier stacking and shelf presentation.
- The overlapping of the packing material in lap seal packaging makes for a stronger and more durable seal. It’s perfect for cargo that needs extra support and shielding while being moved about.
- Lap seal packages often use thicker and tougher materials to maintain the appropriate strength and durability, whereas fin seal packages typically use lighter and more flexible materials.
- Fin seal packaging is commonly used for food items such as snacks and candy when customer visibility is paramount. Frozen meals, fresh vegetables, and industrial components all greatly benefit from the added protection and stackability that lap seal packaging provides.
Which Industry Uses Them?
The food market is the main user of seal packaging in general. Dry, aerated, confectionery, and other odd foods can be added to this market, especially for fin seal pouches. Nuts, cookies, and other dry snacks are examples of this category.
Aerated foods are often French fries. Hard candies, gum, and fudge are all examples of confections. Noodles, tea, powdered sauces, and spices are some examples of other culinary options. Toys and a wide variety of other items are sometimes packaged in fin seal pouches.
Magazines, trading cards, and advertisements are just some of the unexpected products that might be packaged this way. Bags used for certain purposes, such as coffee, might provide further insight. Fin seals may be made from a variety of materials, some of which are food-specific.
Conclusion
There are situations and uses for both fin seal and lap seal packing. While fin seal packaging is great for things that need to be seen, lap seal packaging is more secure and may be used for items that need more cushioning and can be stacked.
What kind of packaging should be used is determined by the nature of the product, the level of presentation sought, and the target audience.
Businesses may make educated judgments about the security and effectiveness of product packaging by learning the distinctions between fin seal and lap seal packaging.