Cover/Tray packaging

Packaging concepts

Cover/Tray packaging

Multi-component packaging solution with an internal cover for optimal transport protection and perfect shelf-ready presentation

The cover/tray packaging is a two-part solution that combines optimal transport protection with outstanding retail presentation. The principle is simple and effective: an inner cover protects your products throughout transport. In retail, this cover is simply removed — leaving a flawless, undamaged shelf-ready tray on the shelf. Our APAC team in Bangkok advises you on the ideal cover/tray concept for your products and market.

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For which products is tray/cover packaging suitable?

Tray/cover packaging is ideal for products that require maximum protection during transport and need to be presented perfectly at the point of sale. SOMIC tray/cover packers process a wide range of primary packaging – flexibly and reliably.

Pre-packaging

  • Folding cartons – Cereals, muesli, tea bags, instant noodle multipacks, bakery products
  • Cans – Coffee beans, cocoa tins, convenience products
  • Jars – Baby food, canned goods, spreads, sauces
  • Bottles – Sauces, dressings, cleaning agents
  • Stand-up pouches – Coffee, tea, dried snacks, pet food, single-serve sachets
  • Thermoformed packaging – Cheese, fresh meat, poultry portions, seafood, cold cuts
  • Blister packs – Healthcare products, cosmetics, small parts

Advantages of cover/tray packaging

The tray/cover packaging combines optimal transport protection with first-class retail presentation – and offers decisive advantages over conventional packaging solutions.

The main advantage of the tray/cover solution: the outer tray remains completely intact when opened.

  • No perforations – clean, high-quality appearance on the shelf
  • No adhesive residue – professional presentation without distracting visible traces
  • No damage – the cover is simply removed, the tray remains flawless
  • Combination available as a snap-on cover or as a glued cover with hot-melt adhesive

The enclosed, two-part design reliably protects your products throughout the entire transport chain:

  • Fully enclosed – no ingress of dust, dirt or moisture, particularly important for logistics in tropical and high-humidity climates across Asia Pacific
  • Robust structure – mechanical stresses are reliably absorbed
  • Secure stacking – excellent stackability for efficient palletising, including long-distance and ocean freight logistics common in the Asia Pacific region

The lid/tray packaging also stands out in terms of cost and environmental performance:

  • Optimized cardboard cut patterns – consulting for efficient material use
  • Reduced material costs – through minimized cardboard use
  • Lower CO₂ footprint – less material means fewer emissions
  • Recyclability – mono-material cardboard packaging for easy disposal

Our machinery solutions for tray/cover packaging

SOMIC offers two machine solutions for the automated production of tray/cover packaging. Each solution is individually tailored to your requirements – the platforms differ in performance, flexibility and functionality.

Read more: SOMIC 434
A person loading the carton magazine of a SOMIC 434 cartoning machine.
SOMIC 434

Highest efficiency in the packaging process

Learn more about the SOMIC 434

Read more: SOMIC 323
SOMIC 323 Carton Packaging Machine for Single- and Multi-Part Packages - Machine cut-out
SOMIC 323

High-performance and adaptable

Learn more about the SOMIC 323

The packaging process

  1. Feeding and grouping: Pre-packaged products are fed individually, accumulated and grouped to the desired carton content.
  2. Covering: The cover is folded around the grouping in a product-friendly manner and glued if necessary.
  3. Positioning: The covered grouping is positioned on the flat tray blank.
  4. Tray forming: The tray carton is folded around the covered pack and bonded with hot-melt adhesive.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about cover/tray packaging

In cover/tray packaging the cover is inside, directly against the products. The tray forms the outer shell. In tray/cover packaging it is the other way around: here the cover is positioned on the outside over the tray. Both concepts offer different advantages for transport and shelf presentation.

SOMIC tray/cover packers handle various types of board: both solid board and corrugated board in different flute types (B, C and E). The machine is tailored to your carton specifications.

Both options are possible. The cover can be designed as a snap-on cover or glued with hot-melt adhesive – depending on your requirements for product protection and retail handling.

The tray/cover packaging is used across many industries: food, pet food, non-food, cosmetics and healthcare. It is suitable for all products that require an attractive shelf-ready presentation.

Achieving the perfect packaging concept together

Would you like to know whether cover/tray packaging is suitable for your products? Our experts will be happy to advise you. Our experts from SOMIC APAC analyse your requirements and recommend the optimal packaging solution.

Phone: +66 2 030 2450
E-mail: info(at)somic(dot)asia

Schedule a consultation now