Sausage Packaging Film and Associated Packaging Machinery

Sausage Packaging Film and Associated Packaging Machinery

1. Vacuum Packaging Machines

- Function and Principle: Vacuum packaging machines are widely used with sausage packaging films. These machines work by removing air from the package before sealing. The process significantly extends the shelf - life of sausages by reducing the presence of oxygen, which can cause spoilage and oxidation. When the machine operates, it draws out the air from the space around the sausage enclosed in the packaging film. As the air is removed, the film conforms tightly to the shape of the sausage.

- Suitable Film Types: Films that are suitable for use with vacuum packaging machines need to have good flexibility and air - tight sealing properties. Polyethylene (PE) films and laminated films are commonly used. Laminated films, which may combine layers such as ethylene - vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) for oxygen - barrier and PE for flexibility, work well. The EVOH layer helps maintain the vacuum seal by blocking any potential oxygen ingress, while the PE layer allows the film to stretch and conform to the sausage during the vacuum - sealing process.

- Benefits: The combination of vacuum packaging machines and the right sausage packaging film provides excellent protection against microbial growth and oxidation. It also helps in preserving the flavor and texture of the sausages for a longer period. For example, in the case of smoked sausages, vacuum - sealed packaging can maintain their smoky flavor and prevent them from drying out.

2. Form - Fill - Seal (FFS) Machines

- Function and Principle: Form - fill - seal machines are integral to the sausage packaging process. These machines first form the packaging film into a pouch or a tube - like shape. Then, the sausage is inserted into the formed film, and the machine seals the package. The process is highly automated and efficient, allowing for high - volume production. The machines can handle different types of films and adjust the forming and sealing parameters according to the film's characteristics.

- Suitable Film Types: Flexible films such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), low - density polyethylene (LDPE), and polypropylene (PP) are often used with FFS machines. PVC's flexibility enables it to be easily formed around the sausage during the packaging process. LDPE provides good moisture - barrier properties and can be heat - sealed effectively by the FFS machine. PP, with its clarity and heat - resistance, is suitable for sausages that may require further heat - treatment after packaging.

- Benefits: FFS machines and the appropriate sausage packaging film combination offer a streamlined packaging solution. They can produce packages with consistent quality and appearance. The ability to form the film into the desired shape provides flexibility in packaging design. For instance, the machine can create stand - up pouches for sausages, which are not only convenient for storage but also enhance the product's visibility on store shelves.

3. Shrink - Wrap Packaging Machines

- Function and Principle: Shrink - wrap packaging machines are used to apply a loose - fitting film around sausages, which is then shrunk tightly using heat. The film is initially larger than the sausage and is placed around it. When heat is applied, usually through a heat tunnel or a heat gun, the film shrinks and conforms to the exact shape of the sausage. This provides a snug and protective covering.

- Suitable Film Types: Polyolefin - based films are typically used with shrink - wrap packaging machines. These films have excellent shrink properties, allowing them to tightly wrap around the sausages. They also offer good clarity and barrier properties against moisture and some degree of oxygen. The shrink - wrap film's ability to conform closely to the sausage gives it a professional and attractive appearance.

- Benefits: The combination of shrink - wrap packaging machines and the right film offers a visually appealing packaging option. It provides a tight - fitting protective layer that can prevent physical damage to the sausages during handling and transportation. The clear film also allows consumers to see the product clearly, which can be an advantage in marketing the sausages.

4. Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) Machines

- Function and Principle: MAP machines are used to create a specific gas environment inside the sausage package. The machine first flushes out the normal air from the package and replaces it with a mixture of gases such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and sometimes a small amount of oxygen. The sausage packaging film used in MAP needs to have good gas - barrier properties to maintain this modified atmosphere. After the gas exchange, the machine seals the package to keep the gas mixture inside.

- Suitable Film Types: Laminated films with high - barrier properties, especially those containing EVOH, are crucial for MAP. The EVOH layer can effectively prevent the ingress of oxygen and the escape of the other gases in the modified atmosphere. Additionally, films need to have good sealing strength to ensure the integrity of the package and the stability of the gas mixture.

- Benefits: MAP machines and the appropriate film combination can significantly extend the shelf - life of sausages. By controlling the gas composition inside the package, the growth of spoilage - causing microorganisms can be inhibited, and the quality of the sausages, including their color, texture, and flavor, can be maintained for a longer time. This is particularly beneficial for fresh sausages and those with a shorter shelf - life.