The author discusses the costs and operating characteristics of equipment to form, fill and seal flexible pouches and thermoformed packages; over wrapping machines; and the packaging materials used in these operations. Materials described include polyethylene film, polystyrene sheet, PVC film and sheet, cellulose acetate, XT acrylic copolymer, polypropylene, and ABS. Special techniques are needed for processing limp polyolefin and PVC films on overwrapping machinery originally developed for cellophane, paper, and aluminum foil.