Closed cardboard packaging for secure logistics, optimal stackability and efficient storage.
A wrap-around case is a fully closed, one-piece cardboard packaging. In contrast to RSC cartons, where a pre-glued carton is erected and filled, the wrap-around case works according to a different principle: a flat, unglued cardboard blank is folded around the already grouped products and sealed with hot-melt adhesive. The result is a sturdy, fully enclosed carton that protects your products optimally from external influences and is ideally suited to the demands of modern logistics chains.
Typical wrap-around variants:
- Standard wrap-around: fully enclosed carton for transport and storage
- Display wrap-around: with tear-off perforation for the shelf-ready presentation at the POS
Pre-packaged products
- Stand-up pouches – ground coffee, snacks, pet food
- Corrugated cases – teabag packaging, cereals, muesli
- Cans – convenience foods, cocoa tins, coffee beans, beverage cans
- Bottles – sauces, beverages, cleaning agents
- Cups – fresh products, ready-made salads
- Blister packs – cosmetics, batteries, small parts
- Jars – preserves, baby food, spreads
The fully enclosed design reliably protects your products from:
- Dust and dirt – important for sensitive food products and cosmetic items
- Moisture – the closed carton prevents water ingress
- Mechanical damage – the robust structure absorbs shocks during transport
Unlike open trays or cartons with a separate lid, there are no openings through which foreign objects can enter.
Wrap-around cases offer excellent stacking stability due to their continuous structure:
- Efficient palletizing: More products per pallet through optimized case dimensions
- Secure storage: Cases retain their shape even when stacked in multiple layers
- Transport optimization: Maximum utilization of cargo space in trucks and containers
The even distribution of forces across the entire case structure makes wrap-around cases the first choice for high-bay warehouses and long-distance transport.
Compared to pre-glued RSC-Kartons, wraparound packaging offers significant advantages:
- Up to 20% material savings with comparable strength
- No tape required – clean closure with hot-melt adhesive
- Lower material costs per packaging unit
- Cardboard blanks require less storage space
- Reduced material consumption lowers the CO₂ footprint
The packaging process
- Feeding and grouping: Pre-packaged products are fed individually, collected and grouped.
- Positioning: The group is pushed onto the flat carton blank. During this process the products are positioned securely and gently by the folding head.
- Folding: The carton blank is folded around the folding head.
- Closure: The lid flap is closed and glued with hot melt adhesive.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about wrap-around packaging
With an RSC carton, a pre-glued, flat carton is erected, filled and sealed with adhesive tape. With a wraparound case, a flat, unglued carton blank is folded around the pre-grouped products and bonded with hot-melt adhesive. The wraparound case offers reduced material consumption while providing comparable stability.
Yes. Wrap-around cases are shelf-ready and can be fitted with a tear-open perforation. This allows transport protection and POS presentation to be perfectly combined. The perforation enables retail staff to easily remove the top section of the carton and place the products, together with the carton, directly on the shelf.
SOMIC wrap-around packers process corrugated cartons in a wide range of material thicknesses – from solid board through fine E-flute at approx. 1.5 mm and the proven B-flute at approx. 3 mm to the robust C-flute at approx. 4 mm. Other board types and material combinations available on request.
Wrap-around packaging is ideal when your products require full-surface protection, transport-stable packing and/or stacking. It provides maximum brand presence through all-over printability and saves material compared with tray-and-lid combinations. Typical applications: beverages, jars, cans and premium consumer goods.
Tray packaging is suitable when rapid product access at retail is required – for example with shelf-ready packaging. It allows open presentation and easy handling for retail staff.
Our recommendation: Decide based on product protection, POS requirements and the degree of automation. SOMIC offers flexible end-of-line solutions for both packaging types – tailored to your production and market requirements. We will be happy to advise you.
Working together toward the perfect packaging concept
Are you unsure whether a wraparound packaging, a tray carton, or a combined solution is the right choice for your product? Our experts analyze your requirements and recommend the optimal packaging solution.
Phone: +49 8075 916-0
E-mail: info(at)somic(dot)de