Dish soap, laundry detergent, degreaser, disinfectant or floor cleaner: there are many different formulations, and their packaging requirements can vary significantly.
Yet manufacturers are often faced with the same question: how can you efficiently fill, cap and label their products while maintaining consistent packaging that is suited to their needs?
Choosing a packaging machine does not depend solely on price or production speed. Product viscosity, foaming behavior, container type, closure used, filling volume and desired level of automation are all factors that need to be considered.
Why does packaging detergents require special attention?
Cleaning products come in a wide variety of formulations. A very fluid glass cleaner does not behave in the same way as a more viscous laundry detergent or cleaning gel. This difference has a direct impact on filling: the dosing technology must be adapted to the product.
There are also constraints related to the container. A manufacturer may package its products in small bottles, larger bottles, jerry cans or containers of different sizes and shapes. Some products also use specific closures, such as child-resistant caps, dispensing caps or spray systems.
Packaging must therefore be considered as a complete process:
- container feeding;
- dosing and filling;
- cap feeding;
- capping;
- labeling;
- marking;
- format change management.
Filling detergents: adapting the dosing system to the product
A very fluid product may require a different approach from a more viscous product. Foaming must also be taken into account during the filling process.
The choice of dosing system and number of filling nozzles should be determined according to the product being packaged and the production requirements.
Our K-Net is a semi-automatic filling machine that can be configured with different dosing systems, with an optional capping system. This configuration can be particularly useful for manufacturers looking to gradually automate their packaging process without immediately implementing a complete production line.
For higher production requirements, we also offer the K-Net Auto, as well as the K-Line S, which has the advantage of being enclosed.
How do you choose a filling machine for cleaning products?
It is best not to choose a filling machine based solely on production speed. Several criteria should be considered beforehand.
1. Product characteristics
Product viscosity and behavior during dosing directly influence the choice of filling technology, such as peristaltic dosing, electromagnetic flowmeters or mass flowmeters.
2. Filling volume
A small bottle and a container holding several liters obviously present different packaging requirements, both in terms of accuracy and flow rate.
3. Production volume
For smaller production runs, a semi-automatic machine may be a suitable solution. As production volumes increase, an automatic filling machine becomes more relevant.
4. Expected business growth
It is also useful to anticipate future products and potential increases in production volumes. A packaging solution that can grow alongside the business is a real advantage.
Capping and screwing: filling and closure should be considered together
Once the product has been dosed, the container must be properly sealed. This operation may seem secondary, but it directly impacts the organization of the packaging line.
The choice of solution depends in particular on the type of closure. A smooth cap, ribbed cap, dropper cap or dispensing closure may not necessarily require the same technology.
Our VS 400 is an automatic capping module designed for different types of cylindrical closures. It can be integrated with machines such as the K-Net Auto or K-Line S, as well as with an E-Fill monoblock. This integration capability is particularly useful when the goal is to progressively build a consistent packaging line by combining filling, capping and labeling.
For packaging chemical products, and specifically for the capping stage, we also offer the VS 2000, an automatic capping machine with automatic cap feeding. This versatile capping machine can handle a wide range of closures from Ø20 mm to 75 mm. Manufactured by CDA, this automatic capping machine is designed to automatically orient and feed caps onto containers before screwing them into place.
Labeling cleaning products: choosing the right machine for the container
Labeling is the final stage of primary packaging. Cleaning products can be packaged in cylindrical, rectangular, square or oval containers. The labeling machine must therefore be selected according to the shape of the container and the number of labels to be applied.
For small-scale production of cylindrical containers, our Ninette Auto is an ideal semi-automatic labeling solution.
For square, rectangular or oval containers, our Ninon Side is an automatic solution designed for these different formats. It is particularly well suited to applications such as liquid laundry detergent, dish soap and chemical containers.
The 5 questions to ask before automating your packaging process
Before choosing a filling machine, capping machine or labeling machine, we recommend clearly defining your requirements.
1. How does the product behave during filling?
Is it fluid, viscous or foamy?
2. What type of containers are used?
Bottles, jerry cans or specific container formats?
3. What type of closure needs to be applied?
Screw cap, dispensing closure, spray or another type of closure?
4. What are your production volumes?
A few hundred containers or continuous automated production?
5. How will the product range evolve?
Will new formats or products need to be integrated in the medium term?
The answers to these questions make it possible to determine the appropriate level of automation and the technologies best suited to the application.
Efficient packaging starts with analyzing the product
There is no universal solution for packaging cleaning products. The wide variety of formulations and containers means that equipment must be adapted to each project.
We can support a company looking simply to automate its filling process, as well as manufacturers looking to implement a complete solution incorporating filling, capping and labeling.
Our experience in packaging cleaning products enables us to work with different production volumes and products with varying behaviors. The objective always remains the same: to find a solution that is consistent with the product, container, production volume and the company’s growth prospects.
Looking to automate the packaging of your cleaning products or detergents? Contact our experts today! We can work with you to develop a solution suited to your filling, capping, screwing and labeling requirements.
FAQ: Packaging cleaning products and detergents
Which filling machine should you choose for packaging detergent?
The choice depends on several factors, including detergent viscosity, its behavior during filling, filling volume, container type and production level. A solution such as the K-Net may be suitable for certain small and medium-sized production runs, while an automatic filling machine such as the K-Line S may be considered for higher production volumes.
How can foaming products be filled automatically?
The dosing technology, nozzle configuration and filling parameters all influence how the product behaves during the filling process. Adjustments may be required to ensure accurate filling volumes.
Can the capping of household cleaning products be automated?
Yes. For example, the VS 2000 can automate cap placement on the container followed by the screwing operation.
Which labeling machine should you choose for detergent jerry cans?
The shape and dimensions of the container, as well as the number and positioning of labels, must be taken into account. A solution such as the Ninon Side is specifically designed for automatic labeling of square, rectangular and oval containers.
Does a small business need to invest in a complete packaging line?
Not necessarily. A small business can start by automating a single operation, such as filling or labeling, and then gradually expand its equipment as production volumes and product ranges grow.
Can filling, capping and labeling be combined?
Yes. Depending on the product, container and production requirements, these different operations can be combined into a complete packaging line.
