Which Food Tray Packaging System is Best for Your Operation?

For food service operation, efficiency, food safety and portion control are critical. At Oliver Packaging, we offer a range of food tray packaging systems tailored to various operational needs, from small-scale grab-and-go setups to high-volume central kitchens. Choosing the right system can minimize food waste, streamline labor costs and improve meal presentation.

In this guide, we compare our different food tray packaging systems to help you determine the best fit for your operation.

Oliver Packagingโ€™s innovative food tray packaging systems help food service providers:

  • Reduce food waste with precise portion control.
  • Increase efficiency by serving more meals with less labor.
  • Enhance food presentation with clear lidding film for attractive, appetizing meals.
  • Support sustainability with a range of tray material options, including compostable, fiber and recyclable plastic.
  • Scale your operation with equipment options for both low and high-volume food production environments.
  • Maintain meal continuity due to factory-direct service, free PMs, the only 24/7 tech support line, free service labor and parts and 95%+ on time shipments.

Image of the Speedseal CX manual food tray packaging system, a compact countertop unit.

Best for: Grab-n-go items at schools, airports and hospitals, small senior meals kitchens with limited space, restaurant to-go orders or take-home trays, catering for to-go lunches and meal prep chefs.

  • Operation: Manual
  • Capacity: Up to 8 trays/min, 480/hour
  • Operation Needs: One person
  • Key Benefits:
    • Fits anywhere due to compact, tabletop design 
    • Simple operation and easy employee cross-training
    • NSF-certified, easy-to-clean stainless steel construction
    • Sealed package reduces food waste and enhances portion control


1808 MX Automatic Speedsealยฎ MX Food Tray Packaging System

Image of the Speedseal MX automatic rotary food tray packaging system, featuring a continuous motion conveying system.

Best for: A kitchen operation looking to improve meal packaging time, package security, presentation and meal portability.

  • Operation: Automatic
  • Capacity: Up to 27 trays/min, 1,600/hour
  • Operation Needs: Two people
  • Key Benefits:
    • Beautiful presentation with automatic rotary heat seal
    • Enhanced efficiency through adjustable speed control
    • Increased safety with critical safeguards
    • Set up your program anywhere with easy mobility, lockable casters
    • Dishwasher-safe tray carriers for easy cleaning

Image of the Speedseal MX-2 intermittent motion food tray packaging system, capable of high-volume output with adjustable speeds.

Best for: Standardized meal programs like senior meal services and correctional facilities.

  • Operation: Automatic
  • Capacity: Up to 27 trays/min, 1,600/hour
  • Operation Needs: Two people
  • Key Benefits:
    • Ideal for standardized tray sizes (e.g., senior meals, portion cups)
    • Intermittent motion conveying system for enhanced food handling
    • Factory-set heat platen for consistent sealing quality
    • Compact design for space efficiency

Image of the Speedsealยฎ MX-4 high-volume food tray packaging systems.

Best for: Large-scale food operations, central kitchens, and high-throughput environments.

  • Operation: Automatic
  • Capacity:
    • MX-4 & MX-5: Up to 40 trays/min, 2,400/hour
    • MX-6: Up to 80 trays/min, 4,800/hour
  • Operator Needs: 3-13 people depending on system size
  • Key Benefits:
    • Continuous motion conveying system for maximum efficiency
    • Single or dual-lane trayveyor system for increased output
    • In-line film perforation for easy opening
    • Predictable production times improve labor and cost planning
    • High-quality seals with dual rotary heat stations
    • Integration with additional accessories (e.g., metal detectors, check weighers, x-ray inspection)

Image of the Speedsealยฎ LX custom food tray packaging system.

Best for: A large-scale operation needing customized solutions.

  • Operation: Automatic
  • Capacity: Customizable based on requirements
  • Operator Needs: Customizable
  • Key Benefits:
    • Fully customized to kitchen specifications
    • Ability to add accessory conveyors and automation features
    • Designed to improve efficiency and streamline processing
    • Nationwide support for maintenance and troubleshooting

Choosing the Right Food Tray Packaging System

When selecting a food tray packaging system, consider:

  • Volume: How many trays per hour do you need to produce?
  • Labor Needs: How many employees are available to operate the system?
  • Space Constraints: Do you need a compact, tabletop unit or a large, automated system?
  • Menu Flexibility: Do you require multiple-tray configurations or standardized meal trays?
  • Budget: What investment level aligns with your operational goals?

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Optimize Your Food Packaging with Oliver Packaging

From compact, manual options to fully automated high-speed solutions, Oliver’s machines enhance efficiency, improve portion control and improve meal presentation.

Ready to optimize your food packaging operation? Contact Oliver Packaging today to find the perfect food tray packaging system for your needs!

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