In today's fast-moving world of food production and consumer goods, packaging has evolved well beyond simple containment. It's now a critical lever for product safety, shelf life, brand differentiation — and, increasingly, regulatory compliance. Among the many formats available, bagmaking has become a cornerstone technology for manufacturers balancing efficiency, flexibility, and sustainability targets that are only getting stricter.
Quick answer: Why does bagmaking matter right now?
Bagmaking solutions let food and consumer goods producers combine flexible, low-material packaging with the barrier performance needed for shelf life — while giving brands a practical route to hit 2026's tightening EPR fee bands and prepare for the EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). Modern VFFS bagmakers, like JASA's NXXT range, add the energy efficiency and material flexibility manufacturers need to adapt without re-engineering entire lines.
Significance of Bagmaking in the Packaging Industry
- Customisation and Versatility
Bagmaking systems cover a huge range of formats — from dry goods and fresh produce to meal kits and snacks — adapting in material, shape, and size to suit diverse product and retail needs. - Brand Enhancement
Bags give brands generous surface area for standout design, helping products cut through crowded retail shelves with bold graphics and distinctive shapes. - Environmentally Responsible Packaging
Sustainability isn't optional anymore — it's regulatory. Bagmaking systems increasingly run mono-material plastics, paper, and other recyclable substrates, positioning brands ahead of compliance deadlines rather than scrambling to catch up. - Improved Shelf Life and Product Freshness
Barrier films, precision heat-sealing, and breathable mesh formats protect perishables from production through to the shelf, reducing spoilage and food waste.
Why 2026 Is a Pivotal Year for Bagmaking Investment
Two regulatory shifts are reshaping the business case for modern bagmaking equipment:
- UK EPR moves to eco-modulated fees. From 2026/27, packaging fees under the UK's Extended Producer Responsibility scheme are tied to the Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM). Red-rated (hard-to-recycle) packaging faces escalating multipliers — 1.2x the base fee in 2026/27, rising to 2.0x by 2028/29 — while green-rated, widely recyclable packaging is rewarded with reduced fees. Producers are also now required to appoint a Producer Responsibility Organisation through PackUK and report more granular packaging data. For businesses running flexible plastic formats, the packaging design decisions made now directly affect the fees paid from next year onward.
- PPWR is bearing down on the redesign timeline. For businesses trading into the EU, the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation phases in major recyclability and minimisation requirements from 2026 through 2040. Industry estimates suggest as much as 80% of existing packaging may need redesigning to comply — and because packaging redevelopment typically takes a minimum of two years, the planning window is now, not later.
Bagmaking equipment capable of running mono-material films, paper, and lighter-gauge structures gives producers a practical way to respond to both frameworks without overhauling entire production lines.
JASA: Redefining Bagmaking Solutions
At Sealpac UK, we proudly partner with JASA Packaging Solutions, a Dutch company synonymous with innovation, quality, and flexibility. With several decades of experience, JASA specialises in vertical form-fill-seal (VFFS) bagmakers and sleevers. Their solutions cater to food producers and packers globally, with over 25,000 packaging types powered by JASA machines.
The JASA NXXT Series: A Glimpse into the Future
The NXXT platform is built around modular thinking:- Energy Efficiency — servo motors replace traditional pneumatics, cutting energy consumption and environmental impact.
- Customisation — modular design allows seamless upgrades as product ranges and compliance needs evolve.
- Operator Convenience — simplified settings and automated processes for consistent results with less operator training time.
Innovative Solutions by JASA
- Latest NXXT Bagmaking Solutions — state-of-the-art features for high-speed, precise packaging.
- VFFS Bagmaking Solutions — a proven running range across the UK and Ireland region.
- Sustainable Options — machines capable of running paper alongside traditional films, a category that's expanding rapidly as fibre-recovery infrastructure matures and buyers actively favour paper-based formats.
- Sleeving Solutions — enhanced presentation with reduced plastic usage.
- Paper Packaging Innovations — laminated, fully coated, partially coated, or uncoated options tailored to product requirements.
Additional Services by Sealpac UK
Our support goes beyond the machine itself:
- Preventative Maintenance — regular checks to keep equipment running at peak efficiency.
- Technical Audits — in-depth evaluations identifying improvement opportunities, including recyclability and RAM-readiness of current packaging formats.
- Recommended Spare Part Kits — tailored kits that minimise downtime.
- Modernisation — upgrading existing equipment for enhanced functionality.
- Employee Training — equipping teams to get the most from their machinery.
Sustainability: A Driving Force
The flexible packaging market itself reflects this shift — global flexible packaging is projected to grow from around $338 billion in 2026 to over $511 billion by 2035, with paper-based flexible formats among the fastest-growing categories as producers look to cut plastic content ahead of tightening EPR and PPWR requirements. JASA and Sealpac UK are positioned squarely in that shift: from responsible sourcing to paper-capable machinery, our solutions meet rising demand for greener packaging without compromising speed or quality.
Conclusion
Bagmaking is no longer just a packaging method — it's a strategic lever for compliance, cost control, and brand differentiation heading into a tighter regulatory decade. With partners like JASA, Sealpac UK is positioned to help producers navigate 2026's EPR fee changes and the EU's PPWR timeline with equipment that adapts rather than needs replacing.
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