The naked over wrapper machine is one of the final stages in the cigarette production line, and one of the most important for brand presentation and regulatory compliance. A naked over wrapper wraps individual cigarette packs in transparent polypropylene or cellulose film, leaving the pack’s printed design fully visible while protecting it from moisture, dust, and handling damage. Unlike standard cellophane wrapping which can obscure fine print, the naked over wrapper applies film so cleanly that tax stamps, health warnings, and brand graphics remain perfectly legible. This guide explains exactly how a naked over wrapper machine works, where it sits in the production line, verified specifications from confirmed industry sources, how it compares to standard cellophaners, key brands, refurbished market pricing, and USA sourcing guidance.
What Is a Naked Over Wrapper Machine?
A naked over wrapper machine, also called a naked overwrapper or cigarette pack overwrapper, is an industrial machine that wraps finished cigarette retail packs in a thin 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 opaque paper label or additional printed layer applied over the pack. The film simply protects and seals the pack while keeping all branding, regulatory markings, and tax stamps visible.
The naked over wrapper sits in the cigarette production line after the cigarette packer, after soft packs or hinge-lid packs have been formed and before the carton boxing stage. For a complete overview of how each machine connects in the full production sequence, see our guide to Cigarette Production Line Equipment: From Raw Tobacco to Finished Pack.
It is important to distinguish the naked over wrapper from two similar but different machines. A cellophaner wraps packs in cellulose film as part of the packing machine output, this is built into the packing line. A SASIB Boxer or carton boxer groups packs into cartons of 10 or 20, this comes after the overwrapper. The naked over wrapper is a standalone machine between these two stages.
Naked Over Wrapper Machine: Full Verified Specifications
The following specifications are verified from Orchid Tobacco’s naked over wrapper product page and cigarettepackingmachine.com, cross-referenced May 2026.
| Machine type | Cigarette pack overwrapper — transparent film wrapping |
| Production speed | 25 packs per minute |
| 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 |
| Emergency stop | Quick-access emergency stop button — operator safety |
| Operation | Fully automated |
| Wastage | Less than 5% film wastage |
| Status | Widely available new and refurbished — verified 2026 |
Where the Naked Over Wrapper Fits in the Production Line
Understanding the exact position of the naked over wrapper in the production sequence is critical for any factory buyer planning a complete cigarette manufacturing line.
| 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 / Cartoner | Groups packs into cartons of 10 or 20 |
| 7 | Case packer | Packs cartons into shipping cases |
The naked over wrapper sits at Stage 5, after packing, before carton boxing. Its 25 ppm output needs to be matched against the upstream packer’s throughput. At 25 ppm the naked over wrapper processes 1,500 packs per hour. This is well matched to mid-speed packing lines producing 300 to 500 ppm when the packer feeds into a buffer before the overwrapper — the speed difference between ppm and bpm reflects the fact that the overwrapper handles one pack at a time while the packer produces multiple packs per minute in a continuous stream. For a complete step-by-step explanation of how the full production process works, see our guide to How a Cigarette Production Line Works: Step-by-Step Process.
How a Naked Over Wrapper Machine Works: Step by Step
Stage 1 — Pack infeed: Finished cigarette packs from the upstream packer or cellophaner arrive at the naked over wrapper’s infeed conveyor. Packs are fed individually into the machine’s wrapping section. The infeed rate is controlled to match the machine’s 25 ppm operating speed.
Stage 2 — Film unwinding and cutting: A reel of transparent polypropylene or cellulose film is unwound continuously from the film supply reel. The film is cut to the correct length for each pack, sized to wrap around all six faces of the pack with a precise overlap at the sealing points. Film tension is controlled throughout the unwinding and cutting process 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 a precise sequence. The folding mechanism wraps each face of the pack in turn — front, back, top, bottom, and both ends, with the film held tightly against the pack surface throughout. The transparent film allows the pack’s printed surface to remain fully visible at every stage.
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. The sealing temperature and dwell time are critical parameters, too little heat produces a weak seal that opens in distribution; too much heat damages the pack or the film surface.
Stage 5 — Tear tape application: A tear tape is applied to the sealed pack, a thin strip of film or thread that the consumer pulls to open the overwrap. The tear tape must be positioned consistently on every pack for retail compliance. Some naked over wrapper configurations apply the tear tape in this stage; others 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 carton boxer or further downstream packaging equipment. The naked over wrapper’s quick-access emergency stop button ensures operator safety throughout the process, protecting operators from the heat sealing and moving film components during normal operation.
Naked Over Wrapper vs Standard Cellophaner: Key Differences
| 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 |
| Air pressure | 0.05 m³/min | Varies |
| Best for | Brand-focused markets — USA, Europe | Standard production lines |
The practical decision between a naked over wrapper and a standard cellophaner comes down to brand strategy and regulatory requirements. In markets like the USA where health warning visibility and tax stamp clarity are legally mandated, 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 — Who Makes Naked Over Wrapper Machines?
SASIB / Molins Boxer
SASIB and Molins both produce cigarette box wrapping machines, the Molins Boxer and SASIB Boxer, that perform a similar downstream function. Both brands also produce overwrapper configurations that can be specified as naked over wrappers depending on the film system used. These machines share the 25 bpm speed specification and similar power requirements (6 KVA) with the generic naked over wrapper specification from Orchid Tobacco. For full specifications of the SASIB packing machine range, see our SASIB 6000 Cigarette Packing Machine guide.
Focke & Co
Focke & Co produces integrated cigarette packaging lines including the Focke 350 with Wrapper, Boxer, and Over Wrapper, a fully integrated system that combines the packing, boxing, and overwrapping stages into one line. Focke’s overwrapper configurations are used in high-volume factories requiring maximum integration and minimum manual handling. The Focke FX-Series includes an Automated Material Handling System that feeds film for the overwrapper automatically, reducing operator intervention.
G.D Coesia
G.D produces the C600 PACK, a wrapping, cartoning, and overwrapping line that integrates the downstream packaging stages. G.D’s overwrapper configurations work as part of this integrated system downstream of the G.D X2 and X3 packing machines. For full specifications of G.D packing machines, see our G.D Cigarette Packing Machine: Full Specifications & Buyer Guide.
Buying a Naked Over Wrapper: New vs Refurbished
New machines: Available from specialist tobacco machinery manufacturers and through the distribution networks of Coesia (SASIB/Molins), Focke, and G.D. 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. Specialist tobacco machinery dealers in the USA and internationally periodically list refurbished units. Pricing for refurbished naked over wrapper machines typically ranges from $8,000 to $30,000 depending on brand, age, and condition.
What to verify before buying a refurbished naked over wrapper:
- Confirm the heat sealing system is fully functional, sealing bars, temperature controllers, and pressure mechanism
- Check the film feed and tension control system for roller wear and film guide condition
- Verify the folding mechanism for cam wear and folder plate alignment
- Confirm the tear tape applicator is functional and correctly calibrated for your pack specification
- Check the infeed conveyor and pack timing mechanism for wear
- Request a full-speed production test at 25 ppm on your specific pack size before accepting delivery
For a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection framework applicable to all refurbished tobacco machinery, 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, parent company of SASIB and Molins, maintains a direct North American service presence. Focke & Co operates globally with USA service coverage. For refurbished units, specialist tobacco machinery dealers in the USA and internationally offer naked over wrapper machines from factory upgrades and closures. For guidance on identifying and vetting specialist suppliers in the USA, see our procurement guide: How to Source Cigarette Machinery Suppliers in the USA. You can also find a complete list of tobacco machinery suppliers in USA on our dedicated suppliers page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a naked over wrapper machine?
A naked over wrapper machine is a cigarette pack overwrapper that applies transparent polypropylene or cellulose film to finished retail cigarette packs. The term ‘naked’ refers to the fact that the pack’s printed surface remains fully visible through the film, there is no additional opaque label applied over the pack. The machine operates at 25 packs per minute with a power requirement of 6 KVA and air pressure of 0.05 m³/min.
Where does the naked over wrapper sit in the cigarette production line?
The naked over wrapper sits after the cigarette packer and before the carton boxer in the production line sequence. It is Stage 5 in a standard 7-stage production line. Finished packs from the packer are fed into the naked over wrapper which applies transparent film, then the overwrapped packs move to the SASIB Boxer or cartoner 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, maintaining a continuous feed to the overwrapper at its rated speed.
What is the difference between a naked over wrapper and a cellophaner?
A cellophaner is typically integrated into or immediately downstream of the cigarette packing machine and wraps packs as part of the packing process. A naked over wrapper is a standalone machine that applies transparent film with full pack visibility, maximum brand clarity and regulatory compliance. The key difference is that the naked over wrapper leaves the pack’s printed surface completely visible through the film, which is required in markets with strict health warning and tax stamp visibility regulations.
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 & 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.
How much does a naked over wrapper cost?
Refurbished naked over wrapper machines typically range from $8,000 to $30,000 depending on brand, age, and condition. New machines are available from Coesia, Focke, and G.D networks — contact the relevant brand’s North American sales team for current pricing and lead times.
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 or switching between pack formats on the same line without significant downtime.
Conclusion
The naked over wrapper machine is an essential downstream component for any cigarette production line where brand visibility, regulatory compliance, and pack protection are priorities. Its transparent film application at 25 packs per minute, above 95 percent efficiency, and short changeover time make it one of the most practical overwrapping solutions for mid-to-high volume tobacco factories. For factory buyers building or upgrading a complete cigarette production line, understanding where the naked over wrapper sits, after the packer, before the boxer, is the foundation for correct line specification. For a complete overview of all cigarette line equipment and how every stage connects, see our Cigarette Making Machines: The Complete Buyer’s Guide.
