The FSPB2 Pouch Bagger, manufactured by McAllen, TX-based Fox Solutions, offers packinghouses a highly efficient automated bagging option.

“Unlike other baggers on the market, the FSPB2 reduces downtime during changeovers,” says Aaron Fox, President of Fox Solutions. “The FSPB2 is built to withstand packinghouse environments with speeds up to 18 bags a minute.”

Aaron Fox, President, Fox Solutions

Fox Solutions debuted the FSPB2 in 2017, and the pouch bagger has been in continuous development ever since.

Fox Solutions was founded in 2010, while its sister company Fox Packaging has been in business for the last 60 years. “Fox Packaging and Fox Solutions offer expertise in flexible packaging and equipment packing lines,” says Fox. “With an emphasis on streamlined automation processes, our flexible packaging is designed to do what's best for fresh produce while offering ideal performance in the packhouse.”

“Unlike other baggers on the market, the FSPB2 reduces downtime during changeovers.” - Aaron Fox

Fox’s FSPB2 Pouch Bagger has multiple configurations and can be used for a wide range of produce commodities, such as apples, pears, peaches, peppers, mandarins, avocados, lemons, limes, cucumbers, and bite-size potatoes. The bagger also has an optional soft-fill modification that can be added to the standard FSPB2 build. This special feature prevents any drops during bag filling, so sensitive items like apples and stone fruit don’t suffer bruising or other damage.

In terms of the pouch bagger’s competitive advantages, Fox notes that “the FSPB2 is able to load bags into the machine while running, so there is no need to stop the machine. This efficient bagger also utilizes a rotary system that works multiple bags at a time, resulting in much higher equipment productivity.”

Another advantage of the FSPB2 is its polished stainless-steel construction. “This stands out among the competition in machine sanitation categories, helping packhouses meet food safety certifications and in terms of durability and longevity,” Fox explains.

“This efficient bagger also utilizes a rotary system that works multiple bags at a time, resulting in much higher equipment productivity.” - Aaron Fox

While Fox offers pouch bags for use with the FSPB2, the pouch bagger does not require proprietary packaging—it can be used with any other pouch bags that meet the FSPB2’s specifications.

If a produce company elects to use Fox’s pouch bags, Fox offers two styles—the Stand-Up Combo bag (a take on the Fox Combo bag, which features a mesh panel for additional respiration) and the Fox Stand-Up Poly bag. Both options have a flat bottom for upright shelf display, and the Fox Stand-Up Poly bag can feature the How2Recycle Store Drop-Off iconography.

“Having the ability to manufacture straight PE stand-up bags and combo pouch bags offers versatility to packers who would like to pack a range of product types,” says Fox. “We’ve experienced an increase in inquiries for products that have not historically been packed in packaging programs—and the packaging that is being discussed most often is the pouch bag. Between the beginning of 2020 to now, we have produced pouch bag programs and equipment solutions for apples, mini-cucumbers, bite-sized potatoes, green beans, tangerines, mini-peppers, tomatillos, jalapenos, and serranos—and we have some other interesting product types in research and development.”

“We’ve experienced an increase in inquiries for products that have not historically been packed in packaging programs—and the packaging that is being discussed most often is the pouch bag.” - Aaron Fox

Fox notes that Fox’s pouch bags are advantageous for their aesthetics as well as their sustainability. “Pouch bags are front-facing to the consumer, which allows brand owners to highlight their story through colors, messaging, and by communicating how their brand is in alignment with the consumer’s lifestyle,” he says. “This communication through high-quality graphics is an enormous benefit for brands. Building brand recognition through your packaging earns consumer trust and helps set your product apart.”

“Our polyethylene Fox Stand-Up Poly bag can feature the Store Drop-Off iconography, communicating its recyclability in participating store programs,” says Fox. “We’re working in alignment with our customers to streamline the requests that retailers are making, one of which is the recyclability of the packaging sitting on store shelves. As members of the Sustainable Packaging Coalition, we’re approved to print the How2Recycle label on packaging of customers who have opted to communicate a universal recycling language.”

In addition to its FSPB2 Pouch Bagger, Fox Solutions offers several other baggers, as well as supporting equipment for automated packing solutions, including weighers, sorters/graders, palletizers, flow wrappers, and more.

“We’re working in alignment with our customers to streamline the requests that retailers are making, one of which is the recyclability of the packaging sitting on store shelves.” - Aaron Fox

“We represent a number of best-in-class equipment brands, including Newtec, Haith, Intec, Redpack and Kwik-Lok,” Fox says. “Fox Solutions’ automated packing equipment offers a competitive edge with the ability to control production output, reduce overall waste, and accommodate various packaging formats without significant tooling. It is our intention to be a partner who works in support of our customers’ operational excellence in the packinghouses and on the store shelf.”