Folding unit for folding cardboard blanks having an end panel, a corner panel and a side panel, said folding unit comprising an end panel folding element actuable to pivot about a first axis and a side panel folding element actuable to pivot about a second axis, said folding unit comprising a corner panel folding element, said corner panel folding element comprising a guiding plate, said guiding plate being actuable to move about at least one axis in order to initiate folding a corner panel about an axis being substantially parallel to said second axis.

A blank which can be folded to form a pack for food items and the like. The blank being formed of a laminate of a card layer on a film layer. The blank has a front face (9) and rear face (13) connected to opposite sides of a base (10) via fold lines (12, 14). The base has a central third transverse fold line (11) about which the base can be folded in an opposite sense. Side panels (15, 17) extend transversely from both sides of the blank. A film layer extends beyond the card layer so as to form unsupported film regions with a first region extending transversely from the base (10) and a second region continuous with the first region to at least partially overlie a corresponding side panel (15, 17) when the blank is folded. The second regions of unsupported film bond with the film on the corresponding side panel to seal the side panels in the erected pack.

A method for forming a container starting from a blank. A forming unit includes a conveyor and equipment secured to the conveyor, including a forming device to form the container from the blank. The method includes: moving the conveyor; supplying the blank to the conveyor at the forming device; starting the forming of the container from the blank by said forming device; and completing the forming of the container from the blank by the forming device independently of a movement of the conveyor.