Methods and systems for forming trays

A method of forming a tray, the method comprising:

• obtaining a blank, the blank comprising a plurality of panels and a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels;
• positioning the blank in a blank feeder assembly of a system for forming a tray;
• moving the blank from the blank feeder assembly to a nipping assembly;
• moving the blank to a tray forming assembly, the tray forming assembly comprising a tray forming apparatus;
• positioning the blank between a first tray forming portion of the tray forming apparatus and a second tray forming portion of the tray forming apparatus, the first tray forming portion includes an actuator operably coupled to a forming block that defines an interior for at least partially receiving the blank, and the second tray forming portion includes a tray forming member;
• activating the actuator to drive the forming block into engagement with the blank and the tray forming member such that the blank and the tray forming member are at least partially received in the interior of the forming block to form a tray from the blank.