Glossary
What is HFFS (horizontal form-fill-seal)?
Also called: horizontal form-fill-seal machine, horizontal pouch machine
HFFS means horizontal form-fill-seal, a packaging machine that forms pouches from film travelling horizontally, fills them through an open top and seals them.
On a horizontal pouch machine, film unwinds from a roll and is folded to make the pouch bottom. It then moves horizontally through a series of stations. The sides and bottom are sealed first. The pouch is cut free and opened, and product goes in through the open top. Finally the top is sealed.
Because each pouch passes through separate stations, HFFS machines can add closures such as zippers, caps and tear-off openings along the way. They handle liquids, powders, granules and solid pieces, and are often chosen for stand-up and shaped pouches. A horizontal machine generally needs more floor space than a VFFS bagger. The best choice between the two depends on the product, the pack format and the space available on the line.