Revolutionizing Seafood Packaging at Pack Expo 2025: GEA Solutions Built for Freshness, Efficiency, and Shelf Life

This blog post features one of GSA’s Corporate Members, GEA North America. We thank GEA North America for their support of the work GSA does to advance responsible seafood practices.

The seafood industry is changing fast—and staying competitive means more than just delivering fresh product. From fillets and shellfish to ready-to-eat meals and frozen favorites, processors are under pressure to extend shelf life, reduce waste, and boost operational efficiency—all while meeting rising consumer expectations for quality and sustainability.

At Pack Expo 2025, GEA is showcasing a powerful lineup of packaging technologies that help seafood processors meet these evolving demands. Whether you’re a high-volume facility or scaling up your operation, GEA offers integrated solutions designed to improve product presentation, reduce downtime, and protect freshness from catch to consumer.

Let’s dive into the equipment making waves this year:

GEA SmartPacker CX400 & D-Zip: Flexible, Fast, and Built for Seafood

Seafood products come in many forms—shredded crab, scallops, marinated shrimp, even frozen seafood mixes—and packaging flexibility is critical. That’s where the GEA SmartPacker CX400 shines. This high-speed vertical form-fill-seal (VFFS) machine delivers precision, speed, and efficiency in every bag. With customizable options and a compact footprint, it’s ideal for processors who need to switch quickly between different product formats.

Pair it with the SmartPacker D-Zip, and you unlock even more versatility. This add-on enables the creation of reclosable zipper bags—perfect for convenience-oriented seafood products like smoked salmon slices or pre-portioned fish nuggets. These easy-open, easy-close packages enhance consumer experience and extend product freshness, especially in retail and foodservice markets.

GEA PowerPak Plus: Premium Packaging, Maximum Uptime

If your focus is high-throughput, premium thermoforming packaging, the GEA PowerPak Plus is your go-to system. Engineered for maximum flexibility and minimal film waste, PowerPak Plus is ideal for seafood products requiring high-barrier packaging—like fresh fish portions, vacuum skin packs, or MAP (Modified Atmosphere Packaging) formats.

In the seafood industry, where product presentation and protection are everything, PowerPak Plus offers unmatched precision in forming, sealing, and cutting. Add in its hygienic design and fast tool changeovers, and you get a packaging workhorse that helps keep your operation lean, clean, and compliant with the highest food safety standards.

GEA PowerPak 1000: Scaling Up Without Compromise

Mid- to large-scale seafood processors looking to scale operations without sacrificing flexibility will find a strong ally in the GEA PowerPak 1000. This modular thermoforming machine supports a wide range of packaging types—from vacuum and MAP to skin and shrink applications—making it ideal for mixed product lines.

Whether you’re packaging whole fish, pre-cooked shellfish, or seafood medleys, the PowerPak 1000 provides a reliable, scalable solution that adapts as your business grows. Plus, it integrates seamlessly with upstream and downstream automation for a fully connected packaging line.

GEA PowerPak Mid-Size: Compact Yet Capable

For smaller seafood processors or facilities looking to maximize space without compromising on quality, the PowerPak Mid-Size offers the perfect balance. It brings many of the premium features of the larger PowerPak systems into a more compact format—ideal for fresh-caught fish, frozen filets, or value-added seafood products.

With quick format changes, intuitive operation, and robust sealing technology, the PowerPak Mid-Size helps processors maintain product integrity and meet short lead times—while staying agile in a competitive market.

Why It Matters for Seafood Processors

At the end of the day, seafood packaging is about more than just sealing a product—it’s about preserving freshness, meeting regulatory demands, and delivering a better experience to your customers. With seafood’s sensitivity to temperature, moisture, and oxidation, packaging equipment must work as hard as the people behind the product.

GEA’s packaging solutions are built to meet the unique challenges of seafood processing—from harsh operating environments to rapidly changing consumer trends. Whether you’re looking to improve sustainability with reclosable bags, boost shelf life with vacuum skin packs, or streamline throughput on the line, GEA helps you do it smarter, faster, and more efficiently.

Visit GEA at Pack Expo 2025 – September 29-October 1, 2025 – Las Vegas, NV

Stop by booth N-8630 to see these technologies in action. Our team will be showcasing live demos, sharing success stories from seafood customers around the world, and answering questions about how you can optimize your packaging lines.

Fresh thinking starts with the right partner. Let GEA help you shape the future of seafood processing.

Thanks for being a member, GEA North America!