As packaging legislation tightens, sustainability expectations rise and consumer demand for quality presentation continues to grow, businesses are reassessing how their packaging performs across cost, compliance and usability.
In 2026, successful packaging solutions will need to be adaptable, efficient and designed for real-world production environments. At SystemPAK, we continue to invest in packaging formats and equipment that help businesses future-proof their operations, whether they are entering a new market, scaling production or upgrading to more sustainable formats.
Below, we explore some of the key SystemPAK packaging solutions supporting food producers, manufacturers and processors in 2026.
Profil Cut Manual Tabletop Top-Seal Machine: A Practical Entry Point to Top-Seal Packaging
For businesses new to top-seal packaging, SystemPAK’s Manual Tabletop Top-Seal Machine provides a compact, economical and reliable starting point.
Designed with smaller operations, start-ups and product trial runs in mind, this machine offers:
- Simple manual operation
- Robust construction
- Consistent, professional sealing results
Key specifications
- Configured for 187 × 137 mm trays
- Profile-cut finish, trimming the film neatly around the tray edge
- Fast sealing cycle, allowing products to be packed in seconds
Custom die sets are available for alternative tray sizes, allowing the machine to grow with your product range.
Please note: custom die sets typically have lead times of 3-5+ weeks depending on size.
What you’ll need to get started
- Trays matched to your die set
- Compatible lidding film
- Default sealing temperature: 165°C (adjustable for materials other than PP)
Why Top-Seal Packaging Solutions Continue to Grow in 2026
Top-seal containers remain a popular choice across chilled, frozen and ready-meal sectors due to their versatility and efficiency.
Key benefits include:
- Cost-effective packaging format
- Secure, leak-proof seal
- Extended shelf life for many food products
- Microwaveable and oven-safe tray options
- Multi-cavity configurations available
- Clean, retail-ready presentation
For businesses responding to tighter margins and higher compliance costs, top-seal packaging offers a strong balance between performance and control.
Pressed Board Top-Seal Trays: A Sustainable Packaging Option
SystemPAK’s Pressed Board Top-Seal Trays provide a packaging solution for businesses prioritising sustainability without compromising functionality.
186 × 136 Series – Sustainable Pressed Board Trays
- 90% plastic-free
- Available sizes: 500 ml, 590 ml, 750 ml and 900 ml
- Suitable for chilled, frozen and cooked food applications
Performance features
- Dual ovenable and freezer safe
- Temperature resistance from -40°C to high oven temperatures
- Sealable with plain or printed lidding film
- Compatible with SystemPAK sealing equipment
- Biodegradable, using responsibly sourced materials
Custom printing is available on both the interior and exterior, allowing brands to combine sustainability with strong shelf impact. Black and coloured variants are also available, subject to MOQs.
Heat Sealing Equipment for Film and Board Lids
To support both film-sealed and board-lidded formats, SystemPAK also supplies the Manual Heat Sealing Profile-Cut Machine and Sealing Die (SD1817-1).
This system allows:
- Efficient sealing of film or board lids
- Consistent, clean profile cuts
- Flexible use across multiple packaging formats
For detailed compatibility or configuration advice, SystemPAK’s sales team can support equipment selection.
Pâté and Spread Containers: Designed for Versatility and Shelf Appeal
SystemPAK’s pâté and general spread container range has been developed specifically for producers packaging spreads, pâtés and similar chilled or frozen products.
Key features
- Manufactured in standard polypropylene (PP)
- Operational temperature range:
- Standard: +5°C to +35°C
- Extended compound: –42°C to +90°C
- Suitable for hot filling and freezer storage
- Designed primarily for heat sealing, with matching lids available for resealability
The option to re-seal products after opening adds convenience for consumers and helps extend usable shelf life.
Branding and compliance
- In-Mould Labelling (IML) available for full print customisation
- Photographic-quality finish without secondary labelling
- Reduced labour costs compared to self-adhesive labels
- Approved by major international food agencies
- Freezer safe, microwave safe and 100% recyclable
- Tamper-evident, leak-proof design
- BRC and IOP accredited, food-grade certified
MeatPAK: Heat-Sealable Trays for Fresh Protein Packaging
For fresh meat, poultry and protein producers, MeatPAK remains a cornerstone of SystemPAK’s packaging portfolio.
Designed for both top sealing and overwrapping, MeatPAK trays are suitable for:
- Retail display
- Chilled and extended storage
- Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP)
Material and barrier options
- Standard 100% recyclable PP
- Custom laminate options:
- PP–PE: improved gas barrier
- PP–EVOH–PP: excellent gas barrier
- PP–EVOH–PE: superior MAP performance
EVOH barrier layers support shelf-life extension when used with MAP or gas flushing systems.
Additional features
- Optional absorbent pads to manage excess moisture
- Wide range of sizes and colours
- Compatible with peelable, weld-seal and anti-fog lidding films
- Typical lead times: 4–6 weeks, depending on configuration
Custom sizes and specifications can be sourced or manufactured to suit individual production requirements.
Packaging for 2026: Designed for Flexibility and Compliance
As packaging requirements evolve, businesses need solutions that offer:
- Reliable performance across temperature ranges
- Compatibility with modern sealing equipment
- Recyclability and reduced environmental impact
- Accurate material specification to support reporting obligations
SystemPAK’s packaging and machinery range is designed to meet these demands, supporting businesses as they adapt to changing regulations, sustainability targets and consumer expectations.
If you would like support selecting packaging or equipment suited to your products in 2026, the SystemPAK team is available to discuss specifications, lead times and custom options.
