Glossary

Package Types

Bag

A flexible package that can be made from rollstock film on a form/fill/seal machine (horizontal or vertical) or one that is pre-made and filled and sealed with product at the time of packaging. Also included here are paper and paper-laminated bags.
Chub Pack

Cylindrical flexible plastic tubes in the shape of a sausage that are filled and tied at both ends with a a metal or plastic tie.
Flow Wrap

A type of pack made on flowrapper machines, designed for individually wrapped products such as such as candy or granola bars.
Overwrap

A wide range of plastic and paper materials that serve to protect or envelop products. These materials can consist of clear films or unprinted papers, but they can also be printed. Overwrap films are considered to be distinct from shrink films.
Pouch

A flexible container that usually features thicker walls than a bag, or that often has a gusset or pocket on the bottom.
Sachet

Small pouches used for a variety of applications such as single-serve ketchup, mayonnaise, sugar, salt and pepper packets.
Stand-up Pouch

Special form of pouch with flat bottom seal that allows it to stand up vertically on store shelves.
Stick Pack

A type of flexible package resembling a tube with a single fin seal along the length of the package that contains a single serving of product, such as powders or yogurts.
Thermoformed Vacuum Pack

Any package that is made with thermoform/fill/seal equipment whereby a vacuum removes air in packaging so that it conforms to the shape of the product, such as a thermoformed vacuum pack of dates.
Vacuum Shrink Pack

A type of package using shrink film, formed on flow wrappers, chamber- and rotary-chamber machine style bag sealers, steam tunnels and shrink tunnels that wraps tightly around the product (i.e., a lamb shank) and during the vacuum sealing process.

Ampoule or Vial

Small glass or plastic containers, used mainly in medical and pharmaceutical packaging applications that often include measured doses.
Bag-in-box for Liquids

A plastic or multilayer bag that is housed in an outer corrugated box or metal wire container, often for bulk items, that allows for easier handling, shipment, and storage, such as a bag-in-box containing bulk tomato sauce shipped to food service operations.
Bottle or Jar

Any rigid plastic or glass container that is used to contain a variety of liquids or solids. Bottles can also be made from aluminum or even paperboard.
Can or Canister

Cans are cylindrical metal containers, typically made from aluminum or steel (but also plastic) that are used for a wide variety of liquid and solids. A canister typically refers to a spiral-wound, paper-based container with a paper or plastic lid or overcap, for a wide range of dry products. A typical example is a paperboard canister for dry oatmeal.
Carton (Folding)

Paperboard-based containers formed from flat sheets by a folding carton converter or manufacturer that are erected by the end user into a variety of shapes, styles and formats, such as a folding carton containing tea bags.
Carton (Gabletop)

Gabletop style paperboard cartons that feature a pyramid-shaped closed top. Gabletop cartons are most commonly associated with milk and juice applications.
Cartridge

Cartridges refer to any kind of specially manufactured container that contains raw product and fits into some sort of larger system, for example cartridges for injectable medicine applications.
Case

Rigid boxes, usually made of durable corrugated fiberboard, that are used for shipping, storing, transporting and sometimes displaying products.
Cup, Bowl or Tub

Rigid, concave packaging containers in a variety of formats, sizes and materials, characterized by a wide opening that’s typically the same as the diameter or width of the package itself. Examples include tubs for margarine, microwavable plastic bowls for frozen meals, and Styrofoam cups for ramen.
Syringe

In healthcare packaging, syringes are cylindrical devices made of glass or plastic with a hollow needle attached, used for drawing and administering fluids or medications.
Tray

Trays are shallow, rigid or semi-rigid containers made from a variety of materials that support and contain food as well as non-food products. Examples include microwavable polypropylene trays for frozen dinners, clear trays for rows of cookies or crackers. Baskets (sometimes known as punnets) refer to open or mesh containers, typically plastic, that are designed for holding fresh fruit or vegetables. Note: this category is distinct from corrugated shipping trays (see Paperboard & Corrugated).

Filter Terms

Bagging, Pouching & Wrapping Equipment
- Entry-level/budget models available
  
  Company offers economic models for start-ups and lower volume runs.
- IIoT ready
  
  Refers to a machine's ability to connect to the industrial internet of things (IIoT) in which machines and devices on a plant floor share the same network as a company’s facility management applications.
- PackML controls architecture
  
  Set of technical standards for industrial automation controls on packaging machines.
- Tool-less changeover
  
  No special tools are required to make adjustments between production runs.
Cartoning, Multipacking & Case Packing
- Entry-level/budget models available
  
  Company offers economic models for start-ups and lower volume runs.
- IIoT ready
  
  Refers to a machine's ability to connect to the industrial internet of things (IIoT) in which machines and devices on a plant floor share the same network as a company’s facility management applications.
- PackML controls architecture
  
  Set of technical standards for industrial automation controls on packaging machines.
- Tool-less changeover
  
  No special tools are required to make adjustments between production runs.
Coding, Labeling, Printing & Reading Equipment
- Entry-level/budget models available
  
  Company offers economic models for start-ups and lower volume runs.
- IIoT ready
  
  Refers to a machine's ability to connect to the industrial internet of things (IIoT) in which machines and devices on a plant floor share the same network as a company’s facility management applications.
- PackML controls architecture
  
  Set of technical standards for industrial automation controls on packaging machines.
- Tool-less changeover
  
  No special tools are required to make adjustments between production runs.
Conveying, Feeding & Handling
- Entry-level/budget models available
  
  Company offers economic models for start-ups and lower volume runs.
- IIoT ready
  
  Refers to a machine's ability to connect to the industrial internet of things (IIoT) in which machines and devices on a plant floor share the same network as a company’s facility management applications.
- PackML controls architecture
  
  Set of technical standards for industrial automation controls on packaging machines.
- Tool-less changeover
  
  No special tools are required to make adjustments between production runs.
Filling, Capping & Closing
- Entry-level/budget models available
  
  Company offers economic models for start-ups and lower volume runs.
- IIoT ready
  
  Refers to a machine's ability to connect to the industrial internet of things (IIoT) in which machines and devices on a plant floor share the same network as a company’s facility management applications.
- PackML controls architecture
  
  Set of technical standards for industrial automation controls on packaging machines.
- Tool-less changeover
  
  No special tools are required to make adjustments between production runs.
Inspection & Testing Equipment
- Entry-level/budget models available
  
  Company offers economic models for start-ups and lower volume runs.
Palletizing & Load Stabilization
- Entry-level/budget models available
  
  Company offers economic models for start-ups and lower volume runs.
- IIoT ready
  
  Refers to a machine's ability to connect to the industrial internet of things (IIoT) in which machines and devices on a plant floor share the same network as a company’s facility management applications.
- PackML controls architecture
  
  Set of technical standards for industrial automation controls on packaging machines.
- Tool-less changeover
  
  No special tools are required to make adjustments between production runs.
Processing Equipment
- Entry-level/budget models available
  
  Company offers economic models for start-ups and lower volume runs.
- IIoT ready
  
  Refers to a machine's ability to connect to the industrial internet of things (IIoT) in which machines and devices on a plant floor share the same network as a company’s facility management applications.
- PackML controls architecture
  
  Set of technical standards for industrial automation controls on packaging machines.
- Tool-less changeover
  
  No special tools are required to make adjustments between production runs.
Robot Manufacturers & Integrators
- Entry-level/budget models available
  
  Company offers economic models for start-ups and lower volume runs.
- IIoT ready
  
  Refers to a machine's ability to connect to the industrial internet of things (IIoT) in which machines and devices on a plant floor share the same network as a company’s facility management applications.
- PackML controls architecture
  
  Set of technical standards for industrial automation controls on packaging machines.
- Tool-less changeover
  
  No special tools are required to make adjustments between production runs.
Specialty Equipment
- Entry-level/budget models available
  
  Company offers economic models for start-ups and lower volume runs.
- IIoT ready
  
  Refers to a machine's ability to connect to the industrial internet of things (IIoT) in which machines and devices on a plant floor share the same network as a company’s facility management applications.
- PackML controls architecture
  
  Set of technical standards for industrial automation controls on packaging machines.
- Tool-less changeover
  
  No special tools are required to make adjustments between production runs.
Tray, Clamshell & Blister Packaging Equipment
- Entry-level/budget models available
  
  Company offers economic models for start-ups and lower volume runs.
- IIoT ready
  
  Refers to a machine's ability to connect to the industrial internet of things (IIoT) in which machines and devices on a plant floor share the same network as a company’s facility management applications.
- PackML controls architecture
  
  Set of technical standards for industrial automation controls on packaging machines.
- Tool-less changeover
  
  No special tools are required to make adjustments between production runs.

Bagging, Pouching & Wrapping Equipment
- Dairy 3A
  
  Criteria for equipment standards and processing best practices for hygienic processing within the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries maintained by the 3-A Sanitary Standards organization.
- Hygienic (low-moisture)
  
  Processing standards and guidelines that minimize the entry of pathogens such as salmonella in low-moisture foods (foods with water activity of 0.85 or below.)
- Washdown (wet)
  
  Cleaning and sanitation of the surface of machine, usually following a production run.
Cartoning, Multipacking & Case Packing
- Dairy 3A
  
  Criteria for equipment standards and processing best practices for hygienic processing within the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries maintained by the 3-A Sanitary Standards organization.
- Hygienic (low-moisture)
  
  Processing standards and guidelines that minimize the entry of pathogens such as salmonella in low-moisture foods (foods with water activity of 0.85 or below.)
- Washdown (wet)
  
  Cleaning and sanitation of the surface of machine, usually following a production run.
Controls, Software & Components
- Hygienic (low-moisture)
  
  Processing standards and guidelines that minimize the entry of pathogens such as salmonella in low-moisture foods (foods with water activity of 0.85 or below.)
- Washdown (wet)
  
  Cleaning and sanitation of the surface of machine, usually following a production run.
Conveying, Feeding & Handling
- Hygienic (low-moisture)
  
  Processing standards and guidelines that minimize the entry of pathogens such as salmonella in low-moisture foods (foods with water activity of 0.85 or below.)
- Washdown (wet)
  
  Cleaning and sanitation of the surface of machine, usually following a production run.
Filling, Capping & Closing
- CIP
  
  Clean-In-Place systems that automatically clean and sanitize the inside of processing machinery.
- Dairy 3A
  
  Criteria for equipment standards and processing best practices for hygienic processing within the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries maintained by the 3-A Sanitary Standards organization.
- Hygienic (low-moisture)
  
  Processing standards and guidelines that minimize the entry of pathogens such as salmonella in low-moisture foods (foods with water activity of 0.85 or below.)
- Washdown (wet)
  
  Cleaning and sanitation of the surface of machine, usually following a production run.
Plant & Warehouse Infrastructure and Operations
- CIP
  
  Clean-In-Place systems that automatically clean and sanitize the inside of processing machinery.
- Dairy 3A
  
  Criteria for equipment standards and processing best practices for hygienic processing within the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries maintained by the 3-A Sanitary Standards organization.
- Food-grade
  
  Suitable for contact with food, per regulation.
- HEPA
  
  Standard for air quality within a plant based on the use of high-efficiency particulate absorbing filter technology that removes at least 99.9% of particles such as pollen, dirt, and dust.
- Hygienic (low-moisture)
  
  Processing standards and guidelines that minimize the entry of pathogens such as salmonella in low-moisture foods (foods with water activity of 0.85 or below.)
- Washdown (wet)
  
  Cleaning and sanitation of the surface of machine, usually following a production run.
Processing Equipment
- CIP
  
  Clean-In-Place systems that automatically clean and sanitize the inside of processing machinery.
- Dairy 3A
  
  Criteria for equipment standards and processing best practices for hygienic processing within the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries maintained by the 3-A Sanitary Standards organization.
- Hygienic (low-moisture)
  
  Processing standards and guidelines that minimize the entry of pathogens such as salmonella in low-moisture foods (foods with water activity of 0.85 or below.)
- Washdown (wet)
  
  Cleaning and sanitation of the surface of machine, usually following a production run.
Robot Manufacturers & Integrators
- Hygienic (low-moisture)
  
  Processing standards and guidelines that minimize the entry of pathogens such as salmonella in low-moisture foods (foods with water activity of 0.85 or below.)
- Washdown (wet)
  
  Cleaning and sanitation of the surface of machine, usually following a production run.
Tray, Clamshell & Blister Packaging Equipment
- CIP
  
  Clean-In-Place systems that automatically clean and sanitize the inside of processing machinery.
- Dairy 3A
  
  Criteria for equipment standards and processing best practices for hygienic processing within the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries maintained by the 3-A Sanitary Standards organization.
- Hygienic (low-moisture)
  
  Processing standards and guidelines that minimize the entry of pathogens such as salmonella in low-moisture foods (foods with water activity of 0.85 or below.)
- Washdown (wet)
  
  Cleaning and sanitation of the surface of machine, usually following a production run.

Controls, Software & Components
- Explosion-proof
  
  Filling, sealing and other packaging systems that safely handle hazardous and combustible products.
Filling, Capping & Closing
- Explosion-proof
  
  Filling, sealing and other packaging systems that safely handle hazardous and combustible products.
- Frozen
  
  Packaging and processing systems that can maintain operating temperatures below 30 deg F at all times.
Material Handling & Warehousing
- Explosion-proof
  
  Filling, sealing and other packaging systems that safely handle hazardous and combustible products.
- Frozen
  
  Packaging and processing systems that can maintain operating temperatures below 30 deg F at all times.
- Refrigerated
  
  Refers to packaging environments and the machines and materials, where operations are below 30 deg F.
Plant & Warehouse Infrastructure and Operations
- Corrosive
  
  Environment prone to corrosion of equipment, such as high-temperature or high-humidity ambients.
- Dry
  
  Plant facility or operation with low humidity and low water usage.
- Explosion-proof
  
  Filling, sealing and other packaging systems that safely handle hazardous and combustible products.
- Frozen
  
  Packaging and processing systems that can maintain operating temperatures below 30 deg F at all times.
- High-temperature
  
  Capable of withstanding processing or packaging ambients above room temperature.
- Humidity control
  
  Features that control the impact of humidity in a machine or environment.
- Refrigerated
  
  Refers to packaging environments and the machines and materials, where operations are below 30 deg F.
- Wet
  
  Any processing technique that involves the introduction of water or other liquid ingredients.
Processing Equipment
- Wet
  
  Any processing technique that involves the introduction of water or other liquid ingredients.
Robot Manufacturers & Integrators
- Frozen
  
  Packaging and processing systems that can maintain operating temperatures below 30 deg F at all times.
- Refrigerated
  
  Refers to packaging environments and the machines and materials, where operations are below 30 deg F.

Bagging, Pouching & Wrapping Equipment
- Aseptic
  
  Process technique that creates shelf-stable products using thermal sterilization that remove microorganisms from both the container and the product
- Controlled atmosphere packaging
  
  Controlled atmosphere packaging (CAP) or controlled atmosphere storage (CAS) is a technique where the gases within a package can be controlled using films and coatings as well as heat and humidity during packaging to extend a product's shelf life.
- Modified atmosphere packaging
  
  Modified atmosphere packaging or MAP displaces normal air within a package with a low-oxygen atmosphere that extends shelf life and eliminates the use of chemicals for preservation.
- UHT
  
  Ultra-high temperature processing refers to processes whereby food is sterilized by heating it to temperatures that exceed 135 °C from 2 to 5 seconds.
- Ultraclean
  
  One step short of aseptic.
- Vacuum packaging
  
  Any packaging technology that uses vacuum systems to remove air from a package prior to sealing.
Filling, Capping & Closing
- Aseptic
  
  Process technique that creates shelf-stable products using thermal sterilization that remove microorganisms from both the container and the product
- Controlled atmosphere packaging
  
  Controlled atmosphere packaging (CAP) or controlled atmosphere storage (CAS) is a technique where the gases within a package can be controlled using films and coatings as well as heat and humidity during packaging to extend a product's shelf life.
- Dosing (propellant or liquid gas)
  
  Machinery handles dosing applications involving pressurized or liquid gas.
- Modified atmosphere packaging
  
  Modified atmosphere packaging or MAP displaces normal air within a package with a low-oxygen atmosphere that extends shelf life and eliminates the use of chemicals for preservation.
- UHT
  
  Ultra-high temperature processing refers to processes whereby food is sterilized by heating it to temperatures that exceed 135 °C from 2 to 5 seconds.
- Ultraclean
  
  One step short of aseptic.
Processing Equipment
- Aseptic
  
  Process technique that creates shelf-stable products using thermal sterilization that remove microorganisms from both the container and the product
- UHT
  
  Ultra-high temperature processing refers to processes whereby food is sterilized by heating it to temperatures that exceed 135 °C from 2 to 5 seconds.
- Ultraclean
  
  One step short of aseptic.
Tray, Clamshell & Blister Packaging Equipment
- Aseptic
  
  Process technique that creates shelf-stable products using thermal sterilization that remove microorganisms from both the container and the product
- Controlled atmosphere packaging
  
  Controlled atmosphere packaging (CAP) or controlled atmosphere storage (CAS) is a technique where the gases within a package can be controlled using films and coatings as well as heat and humidity during packaging to extend a product's shelf life.
- Dosing (propellant or liquid gas)
  
  Machinery handles dosing applications involving pressurized or liquid gas.
- Modified atmosphere packaging
  
  Modified atmosphere packaging or MAP displaces normal air within a package with a low-oxygen atmosphere that extends shelf life and eliminates the use of chemicals for preservation.
- UHT
  
  Ultra-high temperature processing refers to processes whereby food is sterilized by heating it to temperatures that exceed 135 °C from 2 to 5 seconds.
- Ultraclean
  
  One step short of aseptic.
- Vacuum packaging
  
  Any packaging technology that uses vacuum systems to remove air from a package prior to sealing.

Bagging, Pouching & Wrapping Equipment
- Automatic
  
  Operations in which all of the major work cycles of a machine are completed without the requirement of human intervention.
- Manual
  
  Production operations, usually low-volume, that require a human to manually initiate and conclude the work process of a machine.
- Pilot/lab
  
  Low-volume production during product development and prototyping such that no automation process is involved.
- Semi-automatic
  
  Machines that feature some automated operations but require a human operator to do others, such as manual feeding or product removal.
Cartoning, Multipacking & Case Packing
- Automatic
  
  Operations in which all of the major work cycles of a machine are completed without the requirement of human intervention.
- Manual
  
  Production operations, usually low-volume, that require a human to manually initiate and conclude the work process of a machine.
- Pilot/lab
  
  Low-volume production during product development and prototyping such that no automation process is involved.
- Semi-automatic
  
  Machines that feature some automated operations but require a human operator to do others, such as manual feeding or product removal.
Filling, Capping & Closing
- Automatic
  
  Operations in which all of the major work cycles of a machine are completed without the requirement of human intervention.
- Manual
  
  Production operations, usually low-volume, that require a human to manually initiate and conclude the work process of a machine.
- Pilot/lab
  
  Low-volume production during product development and prototyping such that no automation process is involved.
- Semi-automatic
  
  Machines that feature some automated operations but require a human operator to do others, such as manual feeding or product removal.
Inspection & Testing Equipment
- Automatic
  
  Operations in which all of the major work cycles of a machine are completed without the requirement of human intervention.
- Manual
  
  Production operations, usually low-volume, that require a human to manually initiate and conclude the work process of a machine.
- Pilot/lab
  
  Low-volume production during product development and prototyping such that no automation process is involved.
- Semi-automatic
  
  Machines that feature some automated operations but require a human operator to do others, such as manual feeding or product removal.
Material Handling & Warehousing
- Automatic
  
  Operations in which all of the major work cycles of a machine are completed without the requirement of human intervention.
- Manual
  
  Production operations, usually low-volume, that require a human to manually initiate and conclude the work process of a machine.
- Semi-automatic
  
  Machines that feature some automated operations but require a human operator to do others, such as manual feeding or product removal.
Palletizing & Load Stabilization
- Automatic
  
  Operations in which all of the major work cycles of a machine are completed without the requirement of human intervention.
- Manual
  
  Production operations, usually low-volume, that require a human to manually initiate and conclude the work process of a machine.
- Semi-automatic
  
  Machines that feature some automated operations but require a human operator to do others, such as manual feeding or product removal.
Processing Equipment
- Automatic
  
  Operations in which all of the major work cycles of a machine are completed without the requirement of human intervention.
- Manual
  
  Production operations, usually low-volume, that require a human to manually initiate and conclude the work process of a machine.
- Pilot/lab
  
  Low-volume production during product development and prototyping such that no automation process is involved.
- Semi-automatic
  
  Machines that feature some automated operations but require a human operator to do others, such as manual feeding or product removal.
- Skid-mounted
  
  Processing equipment that is modular and mounted on a skid for mobility, such as CIP systems, bio processors, blowers and dryers.
Specialty Equipment
- Automatic
  
  Operations in which all of the major work cycles of a machine are completed without the requirement of human intervention.
- Manual
  
  Production operations, usually low-volume, that require a human to manually initiate and conclude the work process of a machine.
- Pilot/lab
  
  Low-volume production during product development and prototyping such that no automation process is involved.
- Semi-automatic
  
  Machines that feature some automated operations but require a human operator to do others, such as manual feeding or product removal.
Tray, Clamshell & Blister Packaging Equipment
- Automatic
  
  Operations in which all of the major work cycles of a machine are completed without the requirement of human intervention.
- Manual
  
  Production operations, usually low-volume, that require a human to manually initiate and conclude the work process of a machine.
- Pilot/lab
  
  Low-volume production during product development and prototyping such that no automation process is involved.
- Semi-automatic
  
  Machines that feature some automated operations but require a human operator to do others, such as manual feeding or product removal.

Bagging, Pouching & Wrapping Equipment
- Box motion
  
  Refers to flow wrapping feature that wraps items in a box-like pattern.
- Continuous motion
  
  Machine feature that allows it to handle products continuously without stopping.
- Dual lane
  
  Conveying or feeding machine attribute whereby products are fed in two separate lanes simultaneously.
- Inline
  
  Packaging systems that fill or load containers coming in a straight line.
- Intermittent motion
  
  Machine feature that starts and stops motion to hold products or packages in place for specific line functions, as opposed to continuous motion.
- Large Format
  
  Oversized, long or large products such as plywood boards, doors, and related products.
- Multi-lane
  
  Conveying feature whereby products are conveying on multiple lanes as opposed to a single lane.
- Rotary
  
  Packaging systems used in filling, depositing and capping that rotate containers to be filled in a circular manner, using a centering device such as a star wheel to place the container in place before filling and being returned to the conveyor.
Cartoning, Multipacking & Case Packing
- Robotic
  
  Of or related to robots and automated equipment.
Coding, Labeling, Printing & Reading Equipment
- 3D/QR codes
  
  Machines that are capable of printing 3D and QR codes.
- Bar codes
  
  Machine readable data printed onto a package.
- Inline
  
  Packaging systems that fill or load containers coming in a straight line.
- Large character
  
  Marking and coding feature that produces large numbers and letters for easy legibility.
- Linerless
  
  Label type that uses a special coating that eliminates the usual liner material to which traditional labels are adhered.
- Rotary
  
  Packaging systems used in filling, depositing and capping that rotate containers to be filled in a circular manner, using a centering device such as a star wheel to place the container in place before filling and being returned to the conveyor.
- Small character
  
  Marking and coding feature allowing the printing of numerals and letters in small fonts.
- Weigh Price
  
  Machines that apply price and weight labels, often to food products.
Converting & Package Forming Equipment
- Narrow web
  
  Converting machines that handle narrow webs such as those used in making bags and labels.
Conveying, Feeding & Handling
- Incline/decline
  
  Conveying systems that lift or lower packages or products from one station to another.
- Reciprocating
  
  Refers to machines that use mechanisms featuring a back-and-forth or up-and-down motion, rather than rotary or linear motion.
- Robotic
  
  Of or related to robots and automated equipment.
- Rotary
  
  Packaging systems used in filling, depositing and capping that rotate containers to be filled in a circular manner, using a centering device such as a star wheel to place the container in place before filling and being returned to the conveyor.
- Vibratory
  
  Type of feeding, conveying or handling whereby the product is shaken to release it from a hopper or conveyor into a package.
Filling, Capping & Closing
- Inline
  
  Packaging systems that fill or load containers coming in a straight line.
- Monoblock
  
  Packaging machines that combine more than one major packaging operation within a single unit, such as monobloc machines that blow mold containers before filling, and capping them.
- Rigid container form/fill/seal
  
  Forming, filling and sealing systems that fabricate rigid containers (as opposed to flexible packaging).
- Rotary
  
  Packaging systems used in filling, depositing and capping that rotate containers to be filled in a circular manner, using a centering device such as a star wheel to place the container in place before filling and being returned to the conveyor.
Inspection & Testing Equipment
- Offline
  
  A packaging process or step that is done independently of the main forming, filling and closing line of a packaging operation, such as barcoding of cartons as a separate operation.
- Online
  
  A packaging process or step that is done during the main forming, filling and closing of a container or package.
Material Handling & Warehousing
- Robotic
  
  Of or related to robots and automated equipment.
Palletizing & Load Stabilization
- Liftoff
  
  Lift-off lids are not sealed with glue and can be easily removed from boxes and cartons by the consumer.
- Robotic
  
  Of or related to robots and automated equipment.
- Sweep-off
  
  Palletizing method that removes rows to be palletizing one at a time.
Robot Manufacturers & Integrators
- Gentle handling
  
  Machine feature that permits handling of delicate or fragile products or packages without damaging them.
Tray, Clamshell & Blister Packaging Equipment
- Cold forming
  
  Blister pack production method that bonds foil and film without the use of heat.
- Inline
  
  Packaging systems that fill or load containers coming in a straight line.
- Multi-lane
  
  Conveying feature whereby products are conveying on multiple lanes as opposed to a single lane.
- Robotic
  
  Of or related to robots and automated equipment.
- Rotary
  
  Packaging systems used in filling, depositing and capping that rotate containers to be filled in a circular manner, using a centering device such as a star wheel to place the container in place before filling and being returned to the conveyor.

Bagging, Pouching & Wrapping Equipment
- Foil
  
  Aluminum or metallic material used in wrapping applications.
- Paper
  
  Equipment handles paper-based substrates and material.
- Plastic
  
  Petroleum-based material that forms the basis of flexible and rigid plastic packaging.
Cartoning, Multipacking & Case Packing
- Corrugated
  
  Heavy-duty paper based products uses for cases.
- Paperboard
  
  Paper-fiber based packaging materials used for cartons, boxes, cases and related supplies.
Converting & Package Forming Equipment
- Composite
  
  Materials formed out of a combination of plastic, paper and other substrates.
- Corrugated
  
  Heavy-duty paper based products uses for cases.
- Glass
  
  Equipment that creates or handles glass packaging, such as bottles and vials.
- Metal
  
  Any type of metallic, aluminum or foil material.
- Paper
  
  Equipment handles paper-based substrates and material.
- Plastic
  
  Petroleum-based material that forms the basis of flexible and rigid plastic packaging.
Conveying, Feeding & Handling
- Fabric
  
  Type of conveyor belting made of synthetic fabric.
- Vertical
  
  Orientation of packaging equipment that drops product into packages vertically.
Materials, Containers & Consumables
- Composite
  
  Materials formed out of a combination of plastic, paper and other substrates.
- Corrugated
  
  Heavy-duty paper based products uses for cases.
- Fabric
  
  Type of conveyor belting made of synthetic fabric.
- Foamed
  
  Any type of foamed plastic (usually made of polystyrene) material.
- Glass
  
  Equipment that creates or handles glass packaging, such as bottles and vials.
- Metal
  
  Any type of metallic, aluminum or foil material.
- Paper
  
  Equipment handles paper-based substrates and material.
- Plastic
  
  Petroleum-based material that forms the basis of flexible and rigid plastic packaging.

Bagging, Pouching & Wrapping Equipment
- Liquids
  
  Systems designed to liquids of various viscosities.
- Powder
  
  Dry material in its most granular, pulverized form.
- Two-stage filling
  
  Filling operation in which two or more ingredients or products are placed at different stations on a filling line.
Filling, Capping & Closing
- Caustic/volatile chemicals
  
  Caustic substances such as sodium hydroxide corrode or burn materials they come into contact with while volatile chemicals, such as propane and butane, vaporize at low temperatures and can be toxic in low concentrations.
- Fragile
  
  Machine feature that handles easily light, prone to damage, or easily breakable products.
- Gases
  
  Equipment that handles gases such as nitrogen and carbon dioxide used in modified atmosphere packaging.
- Liquids with particulates
  
  Products that are mostly free flowing but also contain solid pieces, such as canned vegetable soup.
- Non-viscous liquids
  
  Free-flowing, less dense liquids such as water, bleach and cranberry juice.
- Powder
  
  Dry material in its most granular, pulverized form.
- Powder (free-flowing and granules)
  
  Machine feature that handles free flowing powder.
- Powder (not free-flowing)
  
  Machine feature that handles powders that clump or flow unevenly.
- Solid pieces (free-flowing)
  
  In filling operations, any solid material that can be placed into a package using gravity (without force).
- Solid pieces (not free-flowing)
  
  In filling operations, any solid material that requires mechanical pressure or force so that it can be placed into a package.
- Tablet for food
  
  Machinery that handles food tablets, such as dietary supplements or certain types of hard candy.
- Tablet for pharma
  
  Machinery that handles pharmaceutical tablets such as cold medication.
- Viscous liquids
  
  Thicker liquids that are more resistant to flowing freely, such as honey, yoghurt, and glue.
Materials, Containers & Consumables
- Liquids
  
  Systems designed to liquids of various viscosities.
- Liquids with particulates
  
  Products that are mostly free flowing but also contain solid pieces, such as canned vegetable soup.
- Powder
  
  Dry material in its most granular, pulverized form.
- Solid pieces
  
  In filling operations, any solid (as opposed to liquid) material.
Tray, Clamshell & Blister Packaging Equipment
- Two-stage filling
  
  Filling operation in which two or more ingredients or products are placed at different stations on a filling line.