Understanding how a naked over wrapper works starts with what makes it different from a standard cellophaner — the film is applied so cleanly that the cigarette pack’s printed surface remains fully visible through the wrapper. The pack appears naked through the film — which is exactly where the name comes from. At 25 packs per minute the naked over wrapper sits between the cigarette packer and the carton boxer in the production line, applying transparent polypropylene or cellulose film with a tear tape before the packs move to the downstream boxing stage.
What Is a Naked Over Wrapper?
A naked over wrapper — also called a naked overwrapper or cigarette pack overwrapper — is a standalone packaging machine that wraps finished cigarette retail packs in transparent film. The term naked refers to the fact that the pack’s original printed surface remains fully visible through the film. There is no additional opaque label or printed layer applied over the pack — the film simply protects and seals while keeping all branding, health warnings, and tax stamps clearly visible. This distinguishes it from a standard cellophaner, which is typically integrated into or immediately downstream of the packing machine. The naked over wrapper is a separate standalone unit positioned after the cellophaner in the production sequence. For a full overview of how every machine in the production line connects, see our cigarette production line equipment guide.
Naked Over Wrapper Specifications
| Machine type | Cigarette pack overwrapper — transparent film wrapping |
| Production speed | 25 packs per minute (ppm) |
| Power requirement | 6 KVA |
| Air pressure requirement | 0.05 m³/min |
| Film type | Transparent polypropylene or cellulose film |
| Efficiency | Above 95% |
| Changeover time | 10 to 15 minutes between formats |
| Film wastage | Less than 5% |
| Operation | Fully automated |
| Emergency stop | Quick-access emergency stop — operator safety |
| Status | Widely available new and refurbished — verified 2026 |
Where the Naked Over Wrapper Fits in the Production Line
The naked over wrapper sits at Stage 5 in a standard 7-stage production sequence — after the cigarette packer, before the carton boxer.
| Stage | Machine | Function |
| 1 | Cigarette maker | Produces cigarette rods at 4,000 to 10,000+ cpm |
| 2 | Filter attachment | Attaches filters to cigarette rods |
| 3 | Tray filler | Deposits finished cigarettes into trays |
| 4 | Cigarette packer | Packs cigarettes into retail packs at 300 to 500 ppm |
| 5 | Naked Over Wrapper | Wraps retail packs in transparent film at 25 ppm |
| 6 | SASIB Boxer or Cartoner | Groups packs into cartons of 10 or 20 |
| 7 | Case packer | Packs cartons into shipping cases |
The naked over wrapper is a standalone unit at Stage 5 — it does not replace the packer or the boxer. It adds a transparent film wrapping step between packing and boxing. For a complete step-by-step explanation of how the full production process works, see our guide to how a cigarette production line works.
How a Naked Over Wrapper Works: 6-Stage Process
Stage 1 — Pack infeed: Finished cigarette packs from the upstream packer arrive at the naked over wrapper’s infeed conveyor. Packs are fed individually into the wrapping section at the machine’s 25 ppm operating speed.
Stage 2 — Film unwinding and cutting: A reel of transparent polypropylene or cellulose film is unwound continuously. The film is cut to the correct length for each pack — sized to wrap around all six faces with a precise overlap at sealing points. Film tension is controlled throughout to prevent stretching or tearing.
Stage 3 — Pack wrapping: Each cigarette pack is pushed into the film sheet and the film is folded around the pack on all sides in sequence — front, back, top, bottom, and both ends. The film is held tightly against the pack surface throughout. The transparent film allows the pack’s printed surface to remain fully visible at every stage of wrapping.
Stage 4 — Sealing: The overlapping film edges are heat-sealed to close the wrap. The sealing system applies controlled heat and pressure to bond the film without damaging the pack’s printed surface beneath. Sealing temperature and dwell time are critical — too little produces a weak seal, too much damages the film or pack.
Stage 5 — Tear tape application: A tear tape is applied to the sealed pack — a thin strip the consumer pulls to open the overwrap. The tear tape must be positioned consistently on every pack for retail compliance. Some configurations have it integrated into the film supply reel.
Stage 6 — Pack discharge: The completed overwrapped pack is discharged to the downstream conveyor for transfer to the SASIB Boxer or cartoner. The quick-access emergency stop button ensures operator safety throughout — protecting operators from the heat sealing and moving film components.
Naked Over Wrapper vs Standard Cellophaner
The practical decision between a naked over wrapper and a standard cellophaner comes down to brand visibility and regulatory requirements.
| Feature | Naked Over Wrapper | Standard Cellophaner |
| Film type | Transparent — pack fully visible | Transparent — standard |
| Brand visibility | Maximum — no paper label | Standard |
| Tax stamp compatibility | Applies over film — fully visible | Standard |
| Changeover time | 10 to 15 minutes | Varies — typically longer |
| Film wastage | Less than 5% | Standard |
| Speed | 25 ppm | Varies by model |
| Power | 6 KVA | Varies |
| Position in line | After packer — standalone unit | Integrated with packer |
| Best for | Brand-focused markets requiring full visibility | Standard production lines |
In markets where health warning visibility and tax stamp clarity are legally mandated — such as the USA — the naked over wrapper’s full-visibility film is often required or strongly preferred. In markets with less stringent visibility requirements, a standard cellophaner may be sufficient.
Key Brands Making Naked Over Wrapper Machines
SASIB and Molins (Coesia Group): Both produce overwrapper configurations that can be specified as naked over wrappers depending on the film system used. These machines share the 25 ppm speed specification and similar power requirements — 6 KVA — with the standard naked over wrapper specification.
Focke and Co: Produces integrated cigarette packaging lines including the Focke 350 with Wrapper, Boxer, and Over Wrapper — a fully integrated system combining packing, boxing, and overwrapping. The Focke FX-Series includes an Automated Material Handling System that feeds film automatically.
G.D Coesia: Produces the C600 PACK — a wrapping, cartoning, and overwrapping line that integrates downstream packaging stages. G.D’s overwrapper configurations work downstream of the G.D X2 and X3 packing machines. For full G.D specifications, see our GD cigarette packing machine guide.
Buying a Naked Over Wrapper: New vs Refurbished
New machines: Available from Coesia (SASIB/Molins), Focke, and G.D networks. Lead times for new overwrapper configurations typically run 8 to 16 weeks from order.
Refurbished machines: A secondary market exists for naked over wrapper machines from factory upgrades and line reconfigurations. Pricing typically ranges from $8,000 to $30,000 depending on brand, age, and condition.
What to verify before buying a refurbished naked over wrapper:
- Heat sealing system — sealing bars, temperature controllers, and pressure mechanism
- Film feed and tension control system — roller wear and film guide condition
- Folding mechanism — cam wear and folder plate alignment
- Tear tape applicator — functional and correctly calibrated for your pack specification
- Infeed conveyor and pack timing mechanism for wear
- Full-speed test at 25 ppm on your specific pack size before accepting delivery
For a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection framework, see our guide to new vs refurbished cigarette manufacturing machines.
Naked Over Wrapper Availability in the USA
Naked over wrapper machines are available in the USA through both new and refurbished channels. The Coesia Group maintains a direct North American service presence covering SASIB and Molins equipment. Focke operates globally with USA service coverage. For a complete list of tobacco machinery suppliers in USA, see our dedicated suppliers page. For guidance on identifying and vetting specialist suppliers, see our sourcing guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a naked over wrapper work?
A naked over wrapper works by feeding finished cigarette packs individually through a film wrapping station where transparent polypropylene or cellulose film is cut to size, folded around all six faces of the pack, heat-sealed at the overlap points, and fitted with a tear tape — all at 25 packs per minute. The film is applied so cleanly that the pack’s printed surface remains fully visible through the wrapper.
What is the difference between a naked over wrapper and a cellophaner?
A cellophaner is typically integrated into or immediately downstream of the packing machine and wraps packs as part of the packing process. A naked over wrapper is a standalone unit positioned after the cellophaner that applies transparent film with maximum pack visibility — required in markets with strict health warning and tax stamp visibility regulations. The key difference is that the naked over wrapper leaves the pack’s printed surface completely visible through the film.
Where does the naked over wrapper sit in the cigarette production line?
The naked over wrapper sits at Stage 5 in a standard 7-stage production line — after the cigarette packer and before the carton boxer (SASIB Boxer or equivalent). Finished packs from the packer are fed into the naked over wrapper which applies transparent film, then the overwrapped packs move to the boxer for carton boxing.
What is the speed of a naked over wrapper machine?
The naked over wrapper operates at 25 packs per minute. This equates to 1,500 packs per hour at full speed. The machine is typically fed from a buffer that accumulates packs from the upstream packer running at 300 to 500 packs per minute.
What film does a naked over wrapper use?
Industrial naked over wrapper machines use either cellulose film or oriented polypropylene (OPP) film. Cellulose film is the traditional choice — breathable and biodegradable. OPP film is now more widely used — stronger, clearer, and with better moisture barrier properties. The choice depends on product specification, market requirements, and machine compatibility.
Which brands make naked over wrapper machines?
The main brands producing cigarette pack overwrapper and naked over wrapper configurations are SASIB (Coesia Group), Molins (Coesia Group), Focke and Co, and G.D (Coesia Group). SASIB and Molins Boxer configurations can be specified as naked over wrappers. Focke produces the integrated Focke 350 system which includes an overwrapper stage. G.D produces the C600 PACK wrapping and overwrapping line.
What is the changeover time on a naked over wrapper?
The naked over wrapper has a changeover time of 10 to 15 minutes between different pack formats or film specifications. This short changeover time makes it suitable for factories producing multiple SKUs on the same line without significant downtime.
Conclusion
The naked over wrapper is an essential downstream component for any cigarette production line where brand visibility, regulatory compliance, and pack protection are priorities. Its 25 ppm output, above 95 percent efficiency, transparent film application, and short changeover time make it one of the most practical overwrapping solutions for mid-to-high volume tobacco factories. For a complete overview of all cigarette line equipment and how every stage connects, see our cigarette making machines guide.
