System and method for sealing containers

A method of sealing a container with a film cover, the method comprising:

• providing the container having a product in a product-receiving area of the container and having a sealing area of the container surrounding the product-receiving area;
• arranging a length of film over the container;
• using an upper sealing module arranged over the film, evacuating a space above the film using an evacuating portion of the upper sealing module so as to cause a portion of the film to conform to the upper sealing module;
• using a cutting tool, cutting out an area of the film by moving the cutting tool relative to the upper sealing module from a recessed position to a cutting position, wherein the cut-out area of film includes the portion of the film conformed to the upper sealing module, wherein a blade of the cutting tool surrounds the upper sealing module such that the area of film is cut out by relative movement of the cutting tool along a direction substantially perpendicular to the film;
• bringing the cut-out area of film into contact with the sealing area of the container by moving the upper sealing module relative to the container;
• and
• sealing the cut-out area of film to the sealing area of the container using a heat sealing portion of the upper sealing module;
• characterized in that
• the movement of the cutting tool and the upper sealing module comprises three distinct phases, wherein in a first movement phase the cutting tool is moved relative to the upper sealing module, in a second movement phase the cutting tool and the sealing module move together towards the container, and in a third movement phase the upper sealing module is moved to bring the cut-out area of film into contact with the sealing area of the container and the cutting tool is slowed or stopped relative to the container so that the blade of the cutting tool does not contact the container.