zonesun Sachet bag filling machine

Guide to Choosing the Right VFFS Sachet Packing Machine

In today’s packaging industry, sachet packing machines and VFFS machines (Vertical Form Fill Seal Machines) are among the most popular and versatile packaging systems. They are widely used in food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and chemical industries.
This article explains the working principle, bag types, machine categories, material-specific selection tips, and key purchasing factors to help you choose the right automatic packaging solution.

What Is a VFFS Packaging Machine?

A VFFS packaging machine (Vertical Form Fill Seal Machine) — also known as a vertical form-fill-seal system — automatically completes bag forming, product filling, and sealing from a single roll of film.

Basic working process:

  1. Form: The flat film roll passes through a forming collar and is sealed into a tube shape.
  2. Fill: The machine fills the product automatically using a screw filler, liquid pump, or weighing system.
  3. Seal: The bag is heat-sealed or cold-sealed and then cut into individual packages.

Advantages:

  • High degree of automation, saving labor cost
  • Fast, continuous operation suitable for mass production
  • Handles powders, granules, liquids, and pastes
  • Compact design with high efficiency and reliability

Common Bag Types

A VFFS automatic packing machine can create different bag shapes depending on the forming tube and sealing configuration. Common types include:

  1. Sachet (Three- or Four-Side Seal) – Ideal for small packs of coffee, sugar, or condiments.
  2. Pillow Bag (Back-Seal Bag) – Most common type; used for snacks, grains, and seeds.
  3. Gusset Bag (Side-Fold Pouch) – Larger capacity; suitable for coffee beans, cereals, and pet food.
  4. Stick Pack – Slim, single-serve format for instant drinks or powders.
  5. Quad Seal Bag – Premium, stand-up bag type used for high-end products.

Classification of VFFS Packaging Machines

VFFS machines vary by product type, dosing method, and control system:

  • Powder Packing Machines: for milk powder, coffee powder, spices, etc.
  • Granule Packing Machines: for sugar, salt, tea, or nuts.
  • Liquid/Paste Packing Machines: for ketchup, shampoo, honey, sauces.
  • Solid Item Packing Machines: for tablets, candies, biscuits.

By Dosing Method:

  • Screw filler (Auger): for powders.
  • Multihead or electronic weigher: for granules.
  • Liquid pump: for viscous or fluid products.
  • Volumetric cup: for free-flowing materials.

By Control System:

  • Mechanical control: economical, simple.
  • PLC touchscreen control: high precision, easy operation, upgradeable.

Key Selection Guide by Product Type

1. Powder Products

(e.g., coffee powder, milk powder, spices, detergent)

  • Dosing system: Auger filler — ideal for poor-flow powders that require precision.
  • Machine design: Must include dust-proofing, anti-leak structure, and easy cleaning (especially for food and pharma use).
  • Bag and film: Usually small sachets or medium pouches; select multilayer films with oxygen and moisture barrier.
  • Sealing & cutting: Stable temperature and high sealing accuracy prevent powder contamination and poor sealing.
  • Adjustability: Some models allow quick bag width/length adjustment and mold changes.

2. Granular Products

(e.g., sugar, salt, nuts, tea, beans, granular seasoning)

  • Dosing system: Volumetric cups, vibrating trays, or multihead weighers depending on granule size and flow.
  • Product behavior: Consider whether granules break easily, have powder residue, or flow freely—these affect dosing accuracy and sealing.
  • Machine choice: Larger bag formats or multi-lane machines are often used to increase productivity.
  • Bag type: Pillow bag, three- or four-side seal, or stand-up pouch depending on display needs.

3. Liquid / Semi-Liquid / Paste Products

(e.g., sauces, honey, shampoo, oil, jam, condiments)

  • Dosing system: Piston pump, gear pump, or peristaltic pump for accurate, no-drip filling.
  • Sealing & film: Use high-strength, leak-proof multilayer films—often aluminum foil composites.
  • Drip control & cleaning: Machines should include anti-drip systems and be easy to clean and maintain.
  • Machine configuration: Some use inclined or angled filling systems to avoid backflow.
  • Bag type: Small liquid sachets, drip packs, or stand-up pouches with spouts or zippers.

How to Choose the Right VFFS Sachet Packing Machine

1. Product Characteristics

Different materials require dedicated dosing and sealing systems to ensure hygiene, precision, and consistency.

2. Bag Design & Features

Consider features such as coding, easy-tear notches, hanging holes, nitrogen flushing, or vacuum sealing.

3. Speed & Stability

Match machine speed to production goals; ensure sealing quality and weight accuracy remain stable.

4. Manufacturer & After-Sales Support

Choose experienced manufacturers with reliable after-sales service and readily available spare parts.

5. Budget & Future Scalability

Startups may begin with cost-effective units; larger plants can opt for PLC-controlled, modular systems.

Common Packaging Film Rolls for Automated Machines

These film rolls are typically supplied in roll form and are widely used in automated equipment such as Vertical Form Fill Seal (VFFS) and Horizontal Form Fill Seal (HFFS) machines. Their appearance varies in glossiness, thickness, color, and metallization treatment. The image below showcases typical examples of various composite film structures:

  • PET/PE Film: Features a glossy surface and high stiffness, making it suitable for printing. Commonly used for packaging liquids or creams due to its strength and sealability.

  • OPP/CPP Film: Offers high transparency and excellent heat-sealing properties. Ideal for lightweight products such as candies, facial masks, and other consumer goods.

  • Nylon Film (PA): Slightly matte in appearance, known for its puncture resistance and durability. Suitable for vacuum packaging and retort pouches that require high-temperature sterilization.

  • Aluminum Foil Composite Film: Completely opaque with outstanding barrier properties against light, moisture, and oxygen. Frequently used for premium packaging of coffee, pharmaceuticals, and skincare products.

Recommend VFFS Machine

ZS-FS500Y-2 Paste Sachet Packaging Machine: Equipped with a booster pump for automatic feeding and a heating function, ideal for high-viscosity liquids such as shower gel and sauces. Easy to operate with high production efficiency.

ZS-FS250 Auger Powder VFFS Machine：Features a screw pump for high-precision filling and optional date coding. Suitable for powder products such as seasonings and milk powder.

ZS-SLFK80 Candies Packaging Machine：Custom rotary plate automatically counts pieces, with back-seal design for an attractive finish. Ideal for candies, nuts, and other granular products.

ZS-FS220M Multi-lane VFFS Packaging Machine：Multi-lane integrated liquid filling and sealing machine with stirring and heating system. Designed for jelly and similar products, with a high capacity of up to 480 bags per minute for large-scale production.

Whether for liquids, powders, granules, or jelly, the Zonesun VFFS series offers efficient, stable, and easy-to-operate professional packaging solutions.

For more models and details, visit: ZONESUN VFFS Machine Collection

Conclusion

A VFFS sachet packing machine is an advanced, efficient solution for automated packaging of powders, granules, liquids, and pastes.
When purchasing, always evaluate product characteristics, bag style, film type, capacity, and budget.
The right equipment not only enhances productivity but also improves product appearance and brand reputation.

Looking for a high-performance VFFS sachet packing solution?
Consult a professional packaging equipment manufacturer for customized system design and sample bag testing — to make your production smarter, cleaner, and more efficient.