Highly efficient cardboard outer packaging for cheese, yogurt, butter & milk beverages
The dairy industry is one of the most demanding sectors for end-of-line packaging: chilled production environments, short shelf lives and intense retail competition require packaging solutions that combine reliability, speed and flexibility.
SOMIC develops modular packaging machines that securely pack your prepackaged dairy products into attractive shelf-ready cartons. With over 50 years of experience and a comprehensive service concept, you are well positioned with SOMIC – from commissioning and ongoing operation to the expansion of your plant.
Machine solutions for the dairy industry
Since 1974 SOMIC has been developing modular end-of-line packaging machines for the food industry. Dairy products are among our most important application areas: Our packaging machines reliably handle pre-packaged cheese items, butter portions, yogurt cups, milk cartons and dessert cups into high-quality cardboard outer packaging – highly efficient and sustainable.
Maximum flexibility in the packaging process
From collecting and grouping to closing: SOMIC automates all process steps in end-of-line packaging that require high throughput and maximum precision. In addition, different formats can be realized on a SOMIC packaging machine. Future market-driven changes or adjustments can be implemented at any time with SOMIC's modular system.
Your benefits
- Modular system: SOMIC packaging machines can be tailored to your products and processes.
- Product-friendly: Gentle handling of delicate products such as yogurt cups, dessert glasses and cheese packaging.
- Fast format change: Up to 70% time savings through automatic format adjustment (with a SOMIC 434) and SOMIC QuickChange.
- Compact footprint: Space-saving, compact design - for easy integration even into existing dairy lines.
- Lifecycle service: Worldwide support with helpdesk, remote maintenance, spare parts service and training programs.
cardboard packaging
Packaging for dairy products: single- or multi-component, depending on requirements
For optimal presentation of your dairy products at retail, we develop the ideal cardboard packaging solution. Our packaging machines produce shelf-ready cartons in a wide range of formats – from one-piece trays, wraparound and regular slotted case (RSC) to multi-part cover/tray solutions for premium products. Thanks to individual format parts, you can switch flexibly between predefined packaging variants.
Tray carton
Wraparound carton
RSC carton
Safe transport and premium quality with SOMIC
Rely on our expertise and the professional packaging solutions for the optimal end-of-line packaging of your dairy products. Our machines process a wide variety of cardboard materials reliably and efficiently – tailored to the specific requirements of the dairy processing industry.
SOMIC packaging machines process corrugated cardboard cartons in a wide range of material thicknesses, from compact solid board through E-flute at approx. 1.5 mm and the common B-flute at approx. 3 mm to the robust C-flute at approx. 4 mm. Our machines are individually designed to meet your requirements, for optimal folding processes and minimal waste. Other carton types are available on request.
Each dairy product has its own requirements for secondary packaging:
- Cold chain integrity: Fast processing at low ambient temperatures to ensure optimal product freshness.
- Hygiene: Machine design that is easy to clean and components that are readily accessible.
- Various formats: Flexible handling of a wide range of primary packaging.
- Stackability: Precise shaping of the carton packaging for secure storage and transport in refrigerated conditions.
- Retail presentation: Shelf-Ready-Designs for direct use in the retailer's refrigerated display.
- Coding and labeling: Integration of best-before date printing, batch numbers and labeling.
- 24/7 production: SOMIC machines are designed for continuous operation with minimal maintenance windows.
We analyze your specific product requirements and jointly develop the appropriate packaging solution.
Sustainability is a central factor of modern packaging solutions in the dairy industry. SOMIC supports your sustainability goals:
- Optimized material use: Precise folding processes minimize cardboard consumption.
- Reduction of plastic shrink film: Conversion to carton-based shelf-ready packaging.
- Energy efficiency: Modern drive technology for reduced energy consumption.
- Longevity: Engineered for exceptional durability, delivering a lifespan of 20+ years whilst requiring minimal use of resources.
With SOMIC you are investing in packaging solutions that combine ecological and economic benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions about our packaging solutions for dairy products
SOMIC packaging machines offer solutions for virtually all dairy products:
- Yogurt cups and desserts
- Cheese in folding cartons, pouches and thermoformed packs
- Butter and margarine
- Milk bottles and milk drinks
- Quark, cream cheese and cream
- Drinks, shakes and smoothies
The modular design enables different product types and primary packaging to be processed on a single machine.
Yes, SOMIC packaging machines are designed for 24/7 operation, as is common in dairies. High-quality components "Made in Germany" and the durable construction ensure high machine availability even under continuous operation. Maintenance windows are minimized by the ergonomic accessibility of all components.
The design of our packaging machines also accounts for operation in refrigerated environments.
Depending on machine configuration and product requirements, the following carton types are available:
- Trays (open top): For rapid shelf replenishment in refrigerated displays.
- Wraparound cartons and RSC cartons (closed): For maximum transport protection.
- Tray/cover and cover/tray packages: Two-piece premium solutions for optimal presentation in retail.
All carton types are optimized for the shelf‑ready requirements of the food retail sector.
SOMIC packaging machines are custom-built to your specifications and adapted to the conditions in your production facility. The compact footprint enables space-saving integration into existing production lines. Before delivery, the machine is tested and optimally adjusted using your original products (Factory Acceptance Test - FAT). After installation, usually only fine-tuning is required. Our project engineers accompany the entire process from planning to commissioning.
Yes, SOMIC packaging machines are designed for maximum flexibility. Thanks to the modular system platform and rapid format changeovers, different cup sizes, bottle formats and tray types can be processed on a single machine. Format changeovers are particularly fast and secure thanks to the SOMIC QuickChange system and clearly marked format parts – a decisive advantage given the wide product range in dairies.
SOMIC offers a comprehensive lifecycle service package specifically tailored to the requirements of the dairy industry:
- Digital Services: Camera-based fault analysis and automated networking for improved support and better-informed operational decisions.
- Spare Parts: Global delivery with express shipping for production-critical parts.
- Technical Support: Personal support from qualified technicians – by phone and via remote access.
- Training: Practical training programs for operators and technicians – on-site or at our facility.
- Maintenance: Experienced service technicians available worldwide provide maintenance, repair and extended machine lifespan.
- Upgrade and Modification: Retrofitting new formats, modernizations and functional changes carried out by our expert team.
Learn more about SOMIC Service
Let us advise you!
Would you like to expand your packaging lines, improve your production processes, or automate the packaging process? We have the ideal packaging solution for your packaging task. Contact us:
Phone.: +49 8075 916-0
E-mail: info(at)somic(dot)de