Packaging apparatus and method for applying packaging to an article combination

A method for applying packaging (20) to an article combination (30) comprising at least two articles (31), the method comprising:

• folding over to approximately 90 degrees at least two opposing edge regions (23) of at least two packaging blanks (21),
• feeding the articles (31) directly adjacent to one another in an ordered mass flow (MS),
• disposing the at least two folded packaging blanks (21) next to one another in receptacles of at least one application die (41), wherein the application die (41) comprises at least one vertically formed or vertically aligned separating device (60) between the receptacles, wherein the folded edge region (23) of the packaging blanks (21) rests against the separating device (60), and wherein the separating device (60) projects downward beyond the folded edge regions (23) of the packaging blanks (21),
• lowering the application die (41), with the at least two folded packaging blanks (21), over the articles (31) being fed in the ordered mass flow (MS),
• inserting the separating device (60) between articles (31) of the ordered mass flow (MS) and whereupon the at least two packaging blanks (21) are applied to a defined number and composition of articles (31) of the ordered mass flow (MS) to simultaneously or approximately simultaneously form at least two adjacent packaging units (70), wherein the applied packaging blanks (21) are disposed, at least in part, between the articles (31) and at least partially surrounds outer lateral surfaces (36) of the article combination (30).