The tray sealer is the most versatile packaging solution for meat, fish, cheese and ready meals in trays. From bench-top models at 5,000 euros to automatic lines at 80,000 euros, the choice depends on volumes, formats and required packaging technology.
Tray sealer price ranges
Tray sealers fall into three categories. Manual/bench-top sealers suit small production (up to 300 trays/hour) and start at 5,000-15,000 euros. Semi-automatic sealers work at 400-800 trays/hour and cost 15,000-40,000 euros. Automatic belt sealers reach 1,000-3,000 trays/hour at 40,000-80,000 euros.
- Manual/bench-top: 5,000-15,000 euros (up to 300 trays/h)
- Semi-automatic: 15,000-40,000 euros (400-800 trays/h)
- Automatic belt: 40,000-80,000 euros (1,000-3,000 trays/h)
- With MAP technology: +5,000-15,000 euros vs base version
- With SKIN or VSP technology: +15,000-25,000 euros vs MAP version
Packaging technologies: MAP, SKIN and VSP
Standard sealers simply seal the top film to the tray. MAP models extract air and inject gas mix before sealing, extending shelf life 5-15 days. SKIN models apply a film adhering to the product like a second skin. VSP combines deep vacuum with skin film for maximum shelf life.
- Standard (simple sealing): shelf life +2-5 days
- MAP (N2 + CO2): shelf life +7-15 days, ideal for fresh meat and fish
- SKIN: shelf life +10-20 days, premium presentation for retail
- VSP: maximum shelf life (+20-30 days), for high-value products
Tray cost and when tray sealer beats chamber machines
The main recurring cost is the pre-formed tray: 0.05-0.15 euros/pc. This is higher than in-line film from a thermoformer. However, for production below 40,000 trays/day, the tray sealer is more cost-effective.
- Standard PP tray: 0.05-0.10 euros/pc
- Premium PET tray: 0.10-0.15 euros/pc
- Top film (lidding): 0.03-0.06 euros/pc
- Tray sealer vs chamber: tray guarantees superior retail presentation
- Tray sealer vs thermoformer: cost-effective below 40,000 trays/day
Want a tray sealer model comparison for your product?
Tell us your product, volumes and target shelf life: we select the tray sealer with the right technology at the right cost.
Request a consultationExplore solutions