Splicing method and unit for splicing two packaging films for a horizontal packaging machine

A method for splicing an active film with a spare film of a packaging machine by use of an adhesive element that has a first side with a first adhesive surface and a second side with a second adhesive surface, the first side being opposite the second side, the packaging machine including an elongate adhering element having a longitudinal axis, the adhering element being movable along a first path and a second path different than the first path, the adhering element movable along the first path between a first position and a second position, the adhering element having a first end portion and a second end portion:

• the method comprising:
• attaching the adhesive element to a main surface of the adhering element by placing the second adhesive surface in contact with the main surface of the adhering element;
• moving the adhering element along the second path while the adhering element is in the first position to place the adhesive element at a designated location above the spare film;
• moving the adhering element from the first position to the second position to cause the first adhesive surface of the adhesive element to contact and bond with the spare film;
• separating the adhering element from the second adhesive surface by moving the adhering element from the second position to the first position;
• and
• placing the active film in contact with the second adhesive surface to attach the active film to the spare film.