IMA Hassia’s new stick pack machine runs 18,000 cheese sachets per hour

SAUDI ARABIA – Wardat al Mashreq Food Co. has partnered with IMA Hassia to launch stick pack packaging for its processed cheese and cream products in Saudi Arabia, with the six-lane S600 machine delivering 14,400 to 18,000 packs per hour in 25ml and 50ml formats.

The Saudi-based dairy manufacturer’s new stick packs, designed for offices, hotels, cafés, fast food chains, trains and buses, combine consumer convenience with manufacturer benefits including lower material costs and a paper-touch finish. 

Compared to conventional packaging solutions like triangle packs, squares, blocks or tubs for processed cheese, stick packs can reduce packaging material requirements by up to 50 percent, significantly improving the carbon footprint and reducing environmental impact.

Wardat was also searching for a solution that met food safety standards and a shelf-life requirement of up to 12 months. 

IMA Hassia’s S600 machine feeds flat foil which is notched, formed into single stick packs using a special forming shoulder, sealed on three sides, and filled with processed cheese using product-specific dosing equipment. 

Second Machine Ordered as Stick Pack Market Gains Momentum

Wardat owner Salem al Mazroo stated that the company selected IMA Hassia based on trust in their capabilities and strong experience in packaging machinery, particularly for this type of application, noting that the S600 provides strong production capacity compared to what is available in the market. 

A second stick pack machine has already been ordered for delivery in Q1 2027, which will further increase the company’s production capacity for cream and cheese products. 

IMA Hassia, a division of IMA DAIRY & FOOD, develops and designs high-quality forming, filling and sealing machines (FFS) for cups and filling and seaming machines (FS) for the dairy and food industry.

Stick Pack Market Growth and Sustainability Trends

The global stick packaging market is valued at US$1.51 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach US$1.98 billion by 2030, growing at a 5.60 percent compound annual growth rate. 

The demand is driven by the convenience of single-serve portions, lower material costs for manufacturers, and reduced transport weight compared to traditional rigid packaging formats. 

Sustainability trends are playing a major role in driving the industry forward, with manufacturers increasingly focusing on developing eco-friendly materials such as recyclable mono-layer films, biodegradable plastics, and paper-based laminates. 

This packaging format is particularly suited to the Gulf region’s expanding foodservice sector, where portability, hygiene and portion control are essential.

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