Vertical Baggers (VFFS) – Frequently Asked Questions
What is a vertical bagger and how does it work?
A vertical bagger (or VFFS machine) takes a roll of film, forms it into a bag, fills it with product and seals it – all in one continuous process. They are widely used for packaging fresh produce, frozen goods, dairy, snacks, cereals and powders.
What products can be packed on a vertical machine?
Our vertical baggers are designed for free-flowing or granular products, including:
- Fresh produce such as leafy salads, herbs and vegetables
- Frozen foods including peas, chips and mixed vegetables
- Dairy products like grated cheese and milk powders
- Snacks, cereals and other dry goods
If your product flows or can be dosed into a bag, a vertical solution could be the right fit.
What bag styles are possible?
ULMA vertical machines can produce:
- Standard pillow packs
- Gusseted bags
- Block-bottom packs
- Quad packs
- Doy style packs
- Recloseable options
This flexibility allows you to adapt to supermarket and customer demands without costly changes to your line.
How fast are vertical baggers?
Speed depends on the product and pack format, but ULMA vertical baggers are designed to keep up with the most demanding frozen and produce lines. They maintain high cycle rates while ensuring pack quality, helping you hit tight deadlines and increase throughput.
Can vertical machines run recyclable or sustainable films?
Yes. Our machines are built with sustainability in mind and can handle a wide range of recyclable and thinner films, including options compatible with paper recycling streams. This supports environmental targets while also lowering your packaging costs.
How do vertical machines handle delicate products like salad leaves?
Conventional machines often suffer blockages when running lightweight products. ULMA’s patented Venturi™ system uses a vacuum to accelerate delicate leaves down into the bag gently and reliably. This prevents blockages, reduces waste, and increases output by up to 15%.
What is Tight-Bag™ technology and how does it help?
For frozen and granular products, excess air inside the bag increases volume and costs more to store and transport. ULMA’s Tight-Bag™ system extracts air to create firm, compact packs that:
- Reduce pack size by up to 15%
- Cut pallet and storage costs
- Improve presentation at point of sale
- Removes the need for perforating bags.
How does a vertical bagger save costs overall?
- Film savings with Tight-Bag™ and recyclable film options
- Reduced waste thanks to Venturi™ technology and precise dosing
- Lower rework rates from cleaner seals
- Transport efficiencies through denser packs that stack neatly
These savings often outweigh the initial investment in the machine.
What support do I get after buying a ULMA vertical bagger?
With ULMA, you get more than a machine:
- UK-based engineers for quick response
- Training for operators and maintenance teams
- Spare parts held locally
- MyULMA digital tools to monitor performance and plan maintenance
Our priority is to keep your lines running reliably, day in and day out.
How do I know which model is right for me?
The best way is to talk to our experts. We’ll look at your products, production volumes, sustainability goals and factory layout before recommending the best solution.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
Whether you’re packing fresh produce, frozen foods or dairy products, our vertical baggers are designed to improve efficiency, reduce waste and support your sustainability targets.
