Common Packaging Challenges in Produce & Floral Operations

Whether you’re packaging herbs, leafy greens, flowers, bunching vegetables, berries, or other fresh products, many operations encounter the same challenges:

• Applying labels consistently and accurately
• Meeting retailer and traceability requirements
• Handling labor-intensive packaging tasks
• Maintaining product presentation through distribution
• Improving production speeds during peak harvest seasons
• Creating consistent package seals and closures

The good news is that many of these challenges can be addressed with simple automation solutions that deliver immediate operational benefits.

Labeling Solutions for Traceability, Branding, and Compliance 

Labeling has become increasingly important throughout the produce and floral supply chain. Product identification, PLU labels, barcode tracking, country-of-origin information, branding, and retail compliance all require accurate and consistent label placement.

With Tach-It’s expanded capabilities, customers can now source both labeling equipment and labels from a single supplier, simplifying procurement and ensuring compatibility between labels and equipment. Whether you’re applying produce labels, package labels, barcodes, or branded retail labels, Tach-It can help provide a complete labeling solution.

Mini-Con T Labeling System

For operations looking to automate label application, the Mini-Con T provides a compact, reliable solution for applying pressure-sensitive labels to a variety of packaging formats. Its tabletop footprint makes it ideal for growers, packers, and shippers seeking automation without dedicating significant floor space.

BL-1 Label Applicator & AP65 Applicator

Hand-applied labeling remains a necessity for many produce and floral operations. The BL-1 handheld label applicator is perfect for applying PLU labels. AP65 applicators provide fast, accurate label placement on:

• Produce containers
• Clamshells
• Bags
• Floral packaging
• Cartons and shipping cases

The result is improved consistency, reduced application time, and a more professional finished package.

PDL 12 Label Dispenser

Even small improvements can create significant productivity gains. The PDL12 Label Dispenser automatically presents labels for easy removal, helping operators apply labels faster while reducing waste, improving efficiency, and maintaining steady workflow during peak production periods.

Faster Produce, Floral, and Agricultural Tying

Many agricultural products require support, bundling, or tying throughout the growing and packaging process. Tomatoes, grapes, cucumbers, peppers, vine crops, herbs, flowers, and other specialty crops often rely on manual tying methods that can be time-consuming and inconsistent.

3510A Handheld Tyer

Designed for agricultural staking and tying applications, the 3510A Handheld Tyer quickly secures plants, vines, stems, and bundled products with a gentle tie that helps protect delicate crops.

Unlike manual tying methods, the 3510A creates consistent ties that hold plants securely without damaging stems or restricting growth, making it an ideal solution for greenhouses, nurseries, vineyards, floral operations, and produce growers.

Key benefits:

• Gentle on stems, vines, flowers, and plants
• Supports healthy plant growth
• Faster and more consistent than manual tying
• Reduces labor requirements
• Lightweight and easy to operate

Reliable Bag Sealing for Fresh Products

Fresh produce packaging often depends on secure, consistent closures to protect product quality during transportation and display.

3235 Bag Sealer

The 3235 Bag Sealer offers an efficient solution for sealing produce bags used for items such as:

• Apples
• Carrots
• Citrus
• Bulk vegetable packaging
• Floral sleeves and protective packaging

By creating consistent seals, operations can improve package presentation while reducing variation associated with manual sealing methods.

A Complete Produce & Floral Packaging Partner 

Beyond packaging efficiency, produce and floral businesses are increasingly looking for partners who can provide complete solutions. By combining equipment, consumables, and application expertise, Tach-It helps growers, packers, and shippers streamline sourcing while improving consistency across their operations.

From labels and label applicators to tying and sealing equipment, customers can access practical automation solutions backed by knowledgeable support. Having a single source for both equipment and consumables helps simplify operations while ensuring products work seamlessly together.

Why Entry-Level Automation Makes Sense 

A common misconception is that automation requires a significant investment in large-scale equipment. In reality, many produce and floral businesses achieve meaningful productivity gains through targeted, entry-level automation solutions.

The advantages include:

• Lower initial investment
• Faster implementation
• Small footprint & small batch runs
• Minimal training requirements
• Improved labor efficiency
• Greater packaging consistency
• Scalable growth path

As production volumes increase, these solutions often serve as the foundation for broader automation initiatives.

Ready to Explore Automation? 

If you’re looking for ways to improve labeling, plant tying, bundling, sealing, or packaging efficiency in your produce or floral operation, Tach-It offers a wide range of Entry Level Automation™ solutions designed to deliver immediate results while supporting long-term growth.

From supplying labels and label application equipment to specialized agricultural tying and bag sealing solutions, Tach-It helps growers, packers, shippers, and distributors automate with confidence.