Fruit punnet packing

Fruit Weighing, Punnet Packing and Labeling Line

A complete small-fruit packing line: punnets, clamshells or small buckets are dispensed, filled to weight by a multi-head linear weigher, lidded on a closing conveyor, checkweighed, labeled and collected — 20–30 packs per minute.

20–30 packs/minReference line output

125–1,000 gTarget pack weight range

Punnet / clamshell / bucketPack formats handled

Lychee, blueberry, cherry tomatoSmall-fruit applications

Solution overview

From loose fruit to weighed, closed and labeled retail packs.

The line handles the complete packing sequence for small fruit: an automatic feeder dispenses empty containers onto the conveyor, a linear weigher drops each portion in, and a closing conveyor presses the lid shut. A checkweigher then verifies every pack against the target weight, the labeling machine prints and applies the label, and a rotary table collects the finished packs.

The same sequence serves three pack formats — vented punnets for berries, clamshells for larger or premium fruit, and small buckets for bulk retail and food-service packs. The feeder magazine, weigher drop height and closing pressure are set to the container you use, so a single line can serve more than one pack format across the season.

Process flow

Each stage has a clear job in the line.

Automatic punnet feeder dispensing empty punnets onto the packing line

Pack Handling At the Infeed

Dispense the Containers

An automatic feeder separates and places empty containers onto the infeed conveyor at a steady pitch, so the weigher always has one in position under the filling station. The same feeder runs vented punnets, clamshells and small buckets — the magazine is set to the container you pack.

EquipmentAutomatic container feeder with adjustable magazine
PurposeContinuous container supply without an operator handling trays

Linear weigher filling fruit punnets with weighed portions

Weighing and Filling

Weigh and Fill Each Pack

A linear weigher measures each portion of fruit and releases it into the container below. Portions are weighed before filling rather than after, which keeps the fill weight consistent without overfilling — whether the target is a 250 g berry punnet or a 1 kg bucket.

EquipmentMulti-head linear weigher, 8-head configuration
PurposeConsistent 125–1,000 g portions at 20–30 packs per minute

Punnet closing conveyor pressing lids onto filled fruit punnets

Closing the Pack

Press and Close the Lid

Filled punnets travel along a closing conveyor that presses each lid into place, sealing the punnet and presenting a closed pack for weight verification.

EquipmentPunnet closing conveyor
PurposeConsistent lid closure before checkweighing and labeling

Checkweigher verifying the weight of each closed punnet

Weight Verification

Checkweigh Every Punnet

A checkweigher weighs each closed punnet as it passes. Packs outside the target tolerance are rejected, so underweight or overweight punnets do not reach the labeling stage.

EquipmentIn-line checkweigher with reject
PurposeVerifies each pack against the target weight before labeling

Labeling machine printing and applying labels to closed fruit punnets

Retail Labeling

Print and Apply Labels

The labeling machine prints and applies each label to the closed punnet, carrying the product details, weight and traceability information needed for retail sale.

EquipmentAutomatic labeling machine
PurposeApplies weight and product labels to every punnet

Rotary collection table receiving labeled fruit punnets at the end of the line

Finished Pack Handling

Collect On a Rotary Table

Labeled punnets discharge onto a rotary collection table, where operators or a case-packing stage pick them up for cartoning and dispatch.

EquipmentRotary collection table
PurposeAccumulates finished packs for cartoning and dispatch

Equipment modules

Matched modules instead of a generic machine list.

Module	Role in the workflow	Related detail page
Punnet feeder	Dispenses empty punnets onto the infeed conveyor	Core module
Multi-head linear weigher	Weighs each fruit portion before filling	Product page
Fruit receiving conveyor	Carries filled punnets between stages	Core module
Punnet closing conveyor	Presses each lid closed	Core module
Checkweigher	Verifies every punnet against the target weight	Product page
Labeling machine	Prints and applies product and weight labels	Product page
Rotary collection table	Accumulates finished punnets for cartoning	Core module
Elevator and conveyors	Links the stages and sets line height	Supporting module

Working video

See Fruit Weighing, Punnet Packing and Labeling Line in operation.

The working video for this fruit weighing, punnet packing and labeling line is being prepared. Meanwhile, see FstTech equipment in operation on the FstTech YouTube channel.

Related equipment

Machines used in this line.

Lychee punnets being filled on the linear weigher punnet packing machine

Linear Weigher Punnets Packing Machine

A small-fruit punnet packing line built around a linear weigher with 4, 8 or 12 weighing heads: weighed portions drop into punnets and the collecting conveyor presses and closes every lid. The picking belt infeed and automatic punnet dispenser are optional modules.

Checkweigher

An inline checkweigher for packaging lines — dynamic weight inspection with automatic push-plate rejection, ±0.3–1 g accuracy and SUS304 frame.

Weighing, Printing and Labeling Machine

An integrated weighing, printing and labeling machine — dynamic weighing, real-time label printing and non-contact label application at up to 45 packs per minute.

FAQ

Key questions before line planning

What fruits does this line pack?

The line is built for small fruit under roughly 40 mm: lychee, blueberry, cherry tomato and similar. Fruit size and firmness determine the weigher configuration, container format and closing pressure.

Which pack formats can it run — punnet, clamshell or bucket?

All three. Vented punnets suit berries and lychee sold by volume in small retail packs; clamshells suit larger or premium fruit that needs a rigid, stackable pack; small buckets suit bulk retail and food-service portions. The feeder magazine, weigher drop height and closing pressure are set to the container, and one line can be changed over between formats during the season.

How fast does the line run?

The 8-head configuration packs 20–30 packs per minute at 125–1,000 g per pack. A 12-head weigher raises this to 45–60 packs per minute; the closing, checkweighing and labeling stages are sized to match.

Can I buy only part of the line?

Yes. Customers often start with the linear weigher and closing conveyor and add the container feeder, checkweigher, labeling machine or rotary table later. Each stage can also be supplied as a standalone machine.

Does it need compressed air?

The container feeder, closing conveyor and labeling modules use pneumatic actuation, so the line needs a compressed-air supply. Confirm the required air volume with us when planning the factory utilities.

Project references

Projects built on this line

Lychee punnet packing line installed in an Australian orchard packhouse

Lychee Punnet Packing Line for an Australian Orchard

Lychee · Australia · 20–30 boxes/min

Farm / Orchard

View all project cases

Tell us your fruit, pack format and target output.

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