How Quickly Does an Automated Egg Carton Production Line Pay for Itself?
In today’s rapidly emerging eco-friendly packaging industry, an increasing number of investors are choosing to enter the pulp molded egg carton production line sector.
Automated egg tray machines have become the preferred equipment for small and medium-sized enterprises and start-up factories due to their advantages of high efficiency, low labor requirements, and stable output.
So, how long does it take to recoup the investment in an automated egg carton production line?
Successful investment by Nigerian client
Our Nigerian client, John, invested in a fully automated egg carton production line with a capacity of 6,000 pieces per hour in early 2025. The line includes a pulping system, forming machine, gas-fired drying line, hot press, and packaging machine.
- Raw materials: local waste cardboard boxes, books, paper scraps
- Labor: requires only 2 operators
- Daily output: approximately 60,000 egg trays
With local wholesale egg tray prices at USD 0.055 per tray, John recouped his investment within just 3 months of operation.
Why do automated egg carton production line recoup costs so quickly?
Taking Shuliy’s fully automated egg tray production line as an example:
Extremely low labor costs
Only 2 operators are needed for the entire production line, saving over 60% in labor expenses.
Low energy consumption, high efficiency
Features a high-efficiency gas drying system, boosting thermal energy recovery by 30%.
Up to 98% yield rate
Intelligent control systems ensure stable slurry suction and molding, significantly reducing scrap rates.
Multi-mold design
A single machine can switch molds to produce various products like egg trays, fruit trays, and coffee cup holders.
Stable market demand growth
Global egg consumption is rising, particularly in emerging markets such as Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Reference for return on investment across production lines of different scales
| Output (pcs/h) | Daily profit (USD) | Payback period |
|---|---|---|
| 3000–4000 | 1000–1200 | 2–3 months |
| 4000–7000 | 2000–2500 | 1.5–2 months |
| 8000–10000 | 3000+ | 1–2 months |
Although automated egg tray processing plant requires a slightly higher initial investment, it offers the shortest payback period and the highest long-term returns.
The rational choice for investing in egg tray production lines
A high-efficiency, energy-saving, automated egg tray machine not only achieves a quick return on investment but also delivers long-term profitability.
Whether you’re in Africa, Southeast Asia, or the Middle East, wherever there are waste paper resources and an egg market, significant profit potential awaits.
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