Method and apparatus for packaging groups of articles which are combined to form packaging units

A method for packaging groups of articles to form packaging units, includes sheathing a packaging unit with a film as it moves in a running direction on a transporting path by simultaneously forming a film cover and flaps projecting beyond the packaging unit along a direction perpendicular to the running direction, and positioning the flaps against the packaging unit as the packaging unit moves through a folding unit, fixing the flaps, and forming a film wrapper that is closed on all sides of the packaging unit. A preliminary-fixing step, which includes positioning the flaps in relation to one another, and initially fixing the flaps by generating heat, and exposing the flaps to the heat, follows. This is followed by a definitive-fixing step that includes exposing the packaging unit, as a whole, to generated heat.