Used Cucumber wrapping machines

About second-hand Cucumber wrapping machines

With cucumber sealers, cucumbers are wrapped in shrink film, preserving their quality and fresh taste while doubling their shelf life. In addition, sealed cucumbers are hygienically protected against dirt and potential bacteria.

More and more consumers and buyers appreciate sealed cucumbers. Adding a cucumber sealing machine to your sorting process therefore has a value-enhancing effect. Duijndam Machines offers a varying range of used cucumber sealing machines from well-known manufacturers such as Aweta, Christiaens, and Vito.

Operation of cucumber sealers

Cucumber sealing machines from Aweta, Christiaens, and Vito all operate according to a similar principle. Cucumbers are placed on a bar conveyor in the bottom layer of film. The top layer of film is applied to the cucumber before reaching the sealing bar. The sealing bar seals the bottom and top film together to size. The cucumbers then pass through a hot-air shrink tunnel, resulting in an airtight and tightly sealed cucumber.

The cucumber sealer can be used independently or in combination before or after a cucumber sorter. It is possible to equip the machine with a labeling unit and a rotary table. Preheating the oven of the sealing machine takes approximately 10 minutes.

Capacity

The capacity of cucumber sealing machines varies by manufacturer and model:

To achieve capacities above 6,000 units per hour, a supply system is required that feeds the cucumbers in a controlled manner. This system consists of a flat, frequency-controlled conveyor belt for feeding and a roof-shaped belt for singulating and elevating the cucumbers. The roof belt is driven by the sealing machine itself, ensuring that the cucumbers fall precisely between the bars of the sealing machine.

Advantages of sealing cucumbers in shrink film

Much longer shelf life

Cucumbers consist of approximately 97% water and dry out quickly. Sealing significantly reduces moisture loss. An unpackaged cucumber can lose up to 3.5% of its weight in three days, while a sealed cucumber loses only about 1.5% after two weeks. Research by Wageningen University shows that a sealed cucumber can last up to three times longer.

Less food waste

Due to the longer shelf life, fewer cucumbers are discarded. Studies show that plastic sealing can reduce product loss in the supply chain by approximately 5%.

Protection during transport

The film protects the cucumber against damage, dehydration, discoloration (yellowing), and quality loss during transport and storage.

Hygiene in store and transport

In supermarkets, consumers frequently pick up products and put them back. The film prevents direct contact and reduces contamination with bacteria.

Better presentation and recognition

The film ensures that the cucumber looks fresh and green for longer. The packaging can also be used for labels, such as an organic certification mark or barcode.

Sealing cucumbers: advantages versus plastic use

A frequently discussed issue regarding sealing cucumbers is the use of plastic film. The advantage of sealing is the significantly longer shelf life, benefiting both supermarkets and consumers. At the same time, many consumers, supermarkets, and governments aim to minimize plastic use due to sustainability and environmental concerns.

However, two perspectives must be considered: a cucumber that spoils earlier and must be discarded is also a form of waste. As a result, a supermarket’s position may vary depending on the season, the country, and applicable regulations. For the organic market, compostable and recyclable shrink films are now available, helping to limit environmental impact.

Sealing organic cucumbers

Organic cucumbers are sealed more often than conventional cucumbers. There are several reasons for this:

According to European regulations, an organic product must be clearly distinguishable from a conventional product at the point of sale. Since cucumbers are often sold loose, it is difficult to link an organic label, the EU organic logo, and certification code to the product without packaging. A thin shrink film with a label provides a practical solution.

Additionally, the film helps prevent organic and conventional cucumbers from being mixed up in stores or incorrectly priced. Organic cucumbers are also allowed to use fewer or no protective coatings or preservatives, making them more prone to dehydration. The film helps limit moisture loss and preserve quality for longer.

Shrink film packaging for other vegetables

In addition to cucumbers, cucumber sealers can sometimes also package other elongated vegetables in shrink film, such as eggplants, zucchinis, carrots, and leeks. For eggplants, the distance between the bars of the chain must be wider than for cucumbers. Adjusting this distance requires replacing both the chain and part of the drive of the sealing bar (which determines the step size).