Highly efficient cardboard 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 pre-packaged dairy products into attractive shelf-ready cartons. With over 50 years of experience and a comprehensive service concept, you are ideally positioned with SOMIC – from commissioning and ongoing operation to the expansion of your plant.
Machinery 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 primary application areas: Our packaging machines reliably carton prepackaged cheese products, 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 performance and maximum precision. In addition, various formats can be implemented on a SOMIC packaging machine. Future market-driven changes or adjustments are possible at any time with SOMIC's modular system.
Your benefits
- Modular system kit: SOMIC packaging machines are individually adaptable to your products and processes
- Product-friendly: Gentle handling of delicate products such as yogurt cups, dessert glasses and cheese packaging
- Fast format changeover: Up to 70% time savings through automatic format adjustment (with 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 packaging, depending on requirements.
For optimal presentation of your dairy products in 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 cartons and regular slotted cases (RSC) to multi-part Cover/tray solutions for premium products. Thanks to custom format parts, you can flexibly switch between predefined packaging variants.
Tray carton
Wraparound carton
RSC carton
Safe transport and first-class quality thanks to SOMIC
Rely on our expertise and professional packaging solutions for the optimal end-of-line packaging of your dairy products. Our machines process a wide range of cardboard materials reliably and efficiently – tailored to the specific requirements of the dairy processing industry.
SOMIC packaging machines process corrugated cardboard in a wide range of material thicknesses – from compact solid board through the 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 custom-designed to your requirements – for optimal folding processes and minimal waste. Other carton types are available on request.
Each dairy product places specific demands on secondary packaging:
- Cold chain integrity: Rapid processing at low ambient temperatures to ensure optimal product freshness.
- Hygiene: Machine design for easy cleaning and readily accessible components.
- Various formats: Flexible handling of a wide range of primary packaging.
- Stackability: Precise carton forming for secure storage and transport in refrigerated environments.
- Shelf presentation: Shelf-Ready-Designs for direct placement on retailers' refrigerated shelves.
- 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 analyse your specific product requirements and develop the appropriate packaging solution together.
Sustainability is a central factor in modern packaging solutions for the dairy industry. SOMIC supports your sustainability goals:
- Optimized material usage: Precise folding processes minimize carton 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 invest in packaging solutions that combine environmental and economic benefits.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about our packaging solutions for dairy products
SOMIC packaging machines offer packaging solutions for almost all dairy products:
- Yogurt cups and desserts
- Cheese in folding cartons, pouches and thermoformed packages
- Butter and margarine
- Milk bottles and milk beverages
- Quark, cream cheese and cream
- Drinks, shakes and smoothies
Thanks to the modular design, different product types and primary packaging formats can 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 during 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 types of cartons are available:
- Trays (open top): For rapid restocking of refrigerated shelves
- Wraparound cartons and RSC cartons (closed): For maximum transport protection
- Tray/cover and cover/tray packaging: Two-part premium solutions for optimal retail presentation
All carton types are optimized for the shelf-ready requirements of food retail.
SOMIC packaging machines are custom-built to your requirements and adapted to the conditions in your production facility. The compact footprint enables space-saving integration into existing production lines. Prior to delivery, the machine is tested with your original products and optimally adjusted (FAT – Factory Acceptance Test). After installation, only minor fine-tuning is usually required. Our project engineers support the entire process from planning through 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 tub types can be processed on a single machine. These changeovers are particularly quick and secure thanks to the SOMIC QuickChange system and clearly marked format parts – a decisive advantage given the wide product variety 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: Worldwide delivery with express shipping for production-critical parts.
- Technical Support: Personal support from qualified technicians – by phone and via remote access.
- Training: Hands-on training programs for operators and technicians – on-site or at our facility.
- Maintenance: Experienced service technicians available worldwide ensure maintenance, repair and extended machine service life.
- Upgrade and Modification: Retrofits for new formats, modernizations and functional changes carried out by our expert team.
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
Email: info(at)somic(dot)de