VFFS Packaging Machine vs Horizontal Packing Machine: A Comparison Guide

Author : DBAO PACKAGING
06/20/2025
03:22

When selecting an automatic packaging solution, two of the most widely used options are the Vertical Form Fill Seal (VFFS) packaging machine and the Horizontal Packing Machine (HFFS). Both systems automate the forming, filling, and sealing of bags, but they differ significantly in design, application, and performance.

In this guide, we will compare the VFFS and horizontal packing machines in key areas to help you determine the right fit for your production needs.

1. Basic Structure and Operation

VFFS (Vertical Form Fill Seal) Machine
This machine operates in a vertical orientation, forming bags from a roll of film. The product is dropped into the bag from above, making it ideal for free-flowing materials.

Horizontal Packing Machine (HFFS)
This machine works horizontally, pulling film across a forming box, inserting the product, and sealing the package. Products are placed into the packaging from the side or inline, typically on a conveyor.

2. Product Suitability

VFFS Packaging Machines are ideal for:

Granules (rice, sugar, seeds)
Powders (milk powder, spices)
Liquids and pastes (sauces, detergents – with special filling units)
Snacks and lightweight items

Horizontal Packing Machines are best for:

Regular-shaped solid items (biscuits, energy bars, instant noodles)
Trays, pouches, or flow-wrapped items
Products that require careful orientation

If your products are free-flowing or need to be packaged in high volume vertically, VFFS machines are more suitable. If precise orientation or gentle handling is essential, horizontal machines are recommended.

3. Packaging Speed and Efficiency

VFFS machines are generally faster for bulk, lightweight, or granular items. A standard VFFS system can reach up to 60–120 bags per minute, depending on the product and configuration.

Horizontal packing machines typically operate at similar or even higher speeds for individual items, especially when integrated with product feeders and flow-wrapping systems.

However, the choice depends on your product type and bag style rather than just speed.

4. Bag Styles and Presentation

VFFS Machines Support:

Pillow bags
Gusseted bags
Quad-seal bags
Stick packs
Flat-bottom pouches (with additional accessories)

Horizontal Machines Support:

Flow wrap (pillow-type horizontal bags)
3-side seal pouches
4-side seal pouches
Trays or card-wrapped packs

If your focus is on retail display and attractive flow-wrap styles, horizontal machines have an edge. For space-saving vertical bags used in bulk packaging, VFFS is more efficient.

5. Floor Space and Layout

VFFS machines are compact and vertically designed, making them suitable for limited floor space or integrated vertical workflows.

Horizontal packing machines require more horizontal layout space due to the inline movement of products and film.

If your facility has height flexibility but limited ground area, a vertical form fill seal packaging machine is a more compact solution.

6. Flexibility and Changeover

VFFS machines often support multiple bag lengths and widths with quick changeovers, especially in intermittent-motion models with servo systems.

Horizontal machines also offer flexibility but may require more adjustments for products of varying size and shape.

DBAO Packaging Machinery offers customizable options on both vertical and horizontal systems for clients with mixed product requirements.

7. Cost Consideration

VFFS machines generally have a lower entry cost and lower film consumption compared to horizontal systems, especially for basic pouch types.

Horizontal machines often involve higher initial investment, but may offer long-term ROI for high-speed retail packaging.

It’s important to weigh upfront costs against the long-term packaging volume, film usage, and labor savings.

VFFS Packaging Machine vs Horizontal Packing Machine: Comparison Table

Feature	VFFS Packaging Machine	Horizontal Packing Machine
Machine Orientation	Vertical (product drops down into the bag)	Horizontal (product enters from the side or inline)
Best for Product Types	Granules, powders, liquids, small solid items	Regular-shaped solid items (cookies, bars, trays, etc.)
Common Industries	Food, chemical, agriculture, pharma	Snack foods, bakery, cosmetics, consumer electronics
Typical Bag Styles	Pillow bag, gusseted bag, quad-seal, stick pack, flat-bottom pouch	Flow wrap, 3-side seal, 4-side seal, trays
Packaging Speed	High speed for free-flowing or bulk products	High speed for individual solid products
Footprint / Space Required	Compact; vertical layout saves floor space	Requires longer horizontal space
Film Usage	Efficient film consumption	Slightly higher film usage per unit
Changeover Time	Fast (especially with servo models)	Moderate (depends on product and packaging size)
Packaging Appearance	Upright pouches, commonly for bulk or industrial use	Retail-friendly presentation, ideal for shelves
Investment Cost	Lower to medium, depending on options	Medium to high, especially for flow-wrap models
Ease of Integration	Easily integrates with vertical fillers, weighers, coding, etc.	Integrates well with conveyors, feeders, coding, and cartoners

Conclusion: Which One Is Right for You?

Choosing between a VFFS packaging machine and a horizontal packing machine depends on your product characteristics, production environment, target packaging style, and automation needs.

Choose a VFFS machine if you:

Package powders, granules, or liquids
Need compact, vertical packaging formats
Require higher throughput with lower material usage
Have limited floor space

Choose a horizontal packing machine if you:

Package uniform solid items or trays
Require retail-friendly pillow packs or flow wrap styles
Need precise product orientation
Have high-speed flow wrapping needs

Work with DBAO Packaging Machinery

At DBAO Packaging Machinery, we help businesses select and customize the right packaging equipment based on specific application needs. Whether you require a high-speed vertical form fill seal system or a horizontal packing machine for flow wrap packaging, our experienced engineers will support you from consultation to delivery and after-sales service.

To discuss your project or request a quotation, please contact:

Email: steven@dbaopack.com