Packaging device and method for packaging articles.

A packaging device (1) is disclosed for producing packs each comprising a plurality of articles. The packaging device (1) comprises at least one horizontal conveyor device and at least one manipulator (25, 35). Item groups are moved via the at least one horizontal conveyor device into a work area (AP1, AP2) of the at least one manipulator (25, 35). The at least one manipulator (25, 35) is designed to combine the respective articles of a respective article group moved via the at least one horizontal conveyor device into its work area (AP1, AP2) and can apply at least one packaging means (40) to the respective article group for this purpose. In addition, the packaging device (1) comprises at least one support and/or push bar provided for rear contact with a respective group of articles, which at least one support and/or push bar provided for rear contact with a respective group...