A container forming apparatus for forming a container from a blank includes a blank transfer station including an adhesive assembly having a plurality of adhesive applicators, and a compression station downstream of the blank transfer station, the compression station including a vertically movable mandrel and a forming tool below the mandrel. The forming tool defines a cavity therein and has an inner profile complementary in shape to an outer profile of the mandrel. Hot-melt adhesive is applied to a surface of the blank as the blank is transferred through the adhesive assembly. The blank is positioned beneath the mandrel, and the mandrel drives the blank downward into the cavity of forming tool. Compression plates fold panels of the blank, and the formed container includes a fully formed top flange.

A container forming apparatus for forming a container from a blank includes a blank transfer station including an adhesive assembly having a plurality of adhesive applicators, and a compression station downstream of the blank transfer station, the compression station including a vertically movable mandrel and a forming tool below the mandrel. The forming tool defines a cavity therein and has an inner profile complementary in shape to an outer profile of the mandrel. Hot-melt adhesive is applied to a surface of the blank as the blank is transferred through the adhesive assembly. The blank is positioned beneath the mandrel, and the mandrel drives the blank downward into the cavity of forming tool. Compression plates fold panels of the blank, and the formed container includes a fully formed top flange.

A method of forming a tray includes obtaining a blank, the blank having a plurality of panels and a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels. The method further includes positioning the blank in a blank feeder assembly of a system for forming a tray, moving the blank to a tray forming assembly, the tray forming assembly including a tray forming assembly, the tray forming assembly including a turret assembly comprising a plurality of female tray forming members, the tray forming assembly further comprising a piston assembly including a male forming member, positioning the blank between the turret assembly and the piston assembly, and moving the piston assembly into at least partial engagement with the turret assembly to form a tray from the blank.