Vacuum packaging machines may not be Europe’s biggest claim to fame, but the region certainly has a track record of producing them to the highest quality. Built to comply with stringent EU quality and food safety standards, European vacuum packing manufacturers use high-grade materials and the latest advancements in technology to produce reliable and efficient machines.
Vacuum packing preserves the shelf life of food, protects it from bacteria, oxidation and mould and helps keep its flavour and texture intact. Offering benefits such as improved food safety and simplified meal preparation (e.g. for sous vide cooking), vacuum packing has made its biggest mark in the food industry. But that’s far from the only industry that draws upon the technique. The medical and pharmaceutical industry, finance and banking and electronics and tech are among the numerous other fields that use vacuum sealing machines to protect and prolong the lives of their products.
The European market for vacuum packaging machines is experiencing steady growth, driven by increasing demand for more efficient solutions across various industries. As manufacturers continue to embrace smart technologies, demand is expected to rise. Europe is expected to maintain its strong position as a major player in vacuum packaging, along with North America and the Asia-Pacific. Three European brands at the forefront of the industry are Scandivac, VC999 and Henkelman.
As a well-established vacuum packaging machine supplier in Australia, VACPAC has high-quality machines available from these three brands to buy or rent. If you’re looking for a vacuum packaging machine to meet the needs of your growing business, but you’re wondering which brand and type to choose, here is our comparison of Scandivac, VC999, and Henkelman.
Leading European Vacuum Sealing Machine Brands
While vacuum packing is a large and growing industry, three European brands are constantly growing, developing and exceeding customer expectations. VACPAC offers first-rate machines from all three of these brands, among others:
Scandivac
A brand with more than three decades of experience, Scandivac’s vacuum sealing machines are now available around the world in over 30 countries. The brand’s background involves providing vacuum sealing solutions to a range of industries, including meat and dairy, as well as medical and pharmaceutical goods.
Scandivac is one of the leading suppliers of thermoforming machines, which use heat and plastic sheets to package products securely. Thermoforming offers a cost-effective, fast and efficient manufacturing solution that can process a wide range of materials.
VC999
VC999 Packaging Systems is a Swiss family-owned business that has been bringing cutting-edge European technology to the world for five decades. The brand is a global leader in the design and manufacturing of vacuum chamber machines, horizontal thermoforming form-fill-seal (HFFS) machines, tray sealers, skin packaging, and packaging materials and supplies. Recognised around the world for expertise in design and manufacturing, VC999 vacuum packaging machines are designed for businesses that require handling large objects and high-volume production.
Henkelman
Founded in 1994, Henkelman is a Dutch family business and a global leader in the vacuum packaging industry. The brand’s vacuum packaging solutions are widely used across various sectors, including food service, food processing, retail, and industrial.
Henkelman operates with the ethos that healthy operations go hand in hand with a healthy planet. In addition to providing smart packaging, storage, and preparation solutions to various industries, the brand helps companies combat food waste and enhance sustainability. The Henkelman approach is not just about quality vacuum sealing machines, but about food safety, speedy delivery times and exceptional customer service.
A Comparison of European Vacuum Packaging Machines
There are two main types of commercial vacuum sealer machines on the market: chamber and non-chamber (external).
Chamber vacuum sealers are the most commonly used in commercial kitchens and food service businesses, and these heavy-duty models tend to be more expensive. These machines evacuate air from both the vacuum sealer bag and the machine’s chamber, ensuring that the air pressure in both remains equal. Chamber vacuum sealers make it easier to vacuum seal liquids and make vacuum sealing multiple batches at once a faster process. They create airtight seals and are perfect for sous vide-style cooking.
External vacuum sealers use a retractable nozzle to remove air from the vacuum packaging bag and then heat seal it. While external vacuum sealers are unsuitable for liquids and high-moisture foods, they offer a more affordable alternative to chamber machines. They can be an excellent option for start-ups and new businesses.
Of course, there are more specific models of European vacuum packaging machines to choose from, including:
Benchtop machines
Perfect for businesses with space constraints and those that set up at multiple locations, these machines are compact and lightweight, making them easy to set up on a bench or desktop.
Freestanding machines
A step up from benchtop machines, freestanding vacuum sealers are available in a variety of sizes with a wide range of sealing bar configurations. These machines are perfect for packing large portions of food or keeping medical equipment sterile.
Swinglid machines
Much larger than freestanding machines, swinglid machines are built for industrial capacity and the fast loading and unloading of heavy products.
Diptank machines
Using a hydraulic lifting system, diptank machines offer an infinite number of dipping depths and times.
Belt chamber machines
Perfect for firmly packing large batches, belt chamber machines deliver fast, high-volume packaging for large-scale operations. Designed for hygiene and simplicity of use, they’re ideal for both food and non-food items.
Scandivac, Henkelman and VC999 machines
These three leading European brands have much in common, but each has a few core strengths and distinctive features that make it uniquely suited to particular industries.
Scandivac is known for thermoforming/tray sealing, which makes their machines ideal for industries that use that packaging method, such as meat and ready meals. They also take a very tailored approach to building machines, so industries that value precision will benefit.
Henkelman has a very broad portfolio of machines, such as table-top, floor and double chamber models, which is beneficial for medium-sized businesses that need flexible vacuum packaging solutions. Their machines are particularly useful for packing meat to preserve shelf life.
VC999’s wide-ranging line and emphasis on high vacuum performance suit large-scale industrial food processors and highly regulated industries like pharmaceuticals and laboratory applications.
Reliable European Vacuum Packaging Machines with VACPAC
No matter your industry, the power and benefits of Henkelman, Scandivac and VC999 can enhance your operations and help you reach your business goals. If you need some help choosing a vacuum packaging machine to buy or rent, VACPAC is happy to assist you.
VACPAC’s Henkelman machines can be applied to a wide range of industries, including food products, clothing and electronics. Our VC999 products include belt chambers and tunnel machines, including shrink tanks and dryers. Our Scandivac range includes quality tray sealing equipment and thermoformers.
In the Australian food and manufacturing industry, VACPAC has a well-established reputation for providing useful and impactful equipment. Offering solutions for every product, demand and market, we consistently deliver by focusing on high-grade technology, superior design and quality construction. We back this up with support through every step of the sales or high process, including servicing, parts and operational advice.
To find out more and for help choosing the right vacuum packaging machine for your business, contact the VACPAC team.
