Vacuum packaging, often referred to as vac pack, is a method that seals products, particularly food items, by removing air from the package. This technique is widely used to extend the shelf life of perishable goods and reduce packaging volume. Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding vacuum packaging machines, their types, and their benefits.
Vacuum packaging, commonly known as vac pack, is a technique that seals products, especially food items, by removing air from the package. This method is essential for extending the shelf life of perishable goods and reducing packaging volume. This article delves into the intricacies of vacuum packaging, the types of machines used, and the benefits they offer.
Vacuum packaging is a method that involves sealing products, particularly food items, in a plastic film after removing the air from the package. This can be done manually or automatically, depending on the volume and purpose of the packaging. Sometimes, shrinkable films are used to ensure the contents fit snugly within the package. The primary goal of vacuum packaging is to extend the shelf life of perishable foods by removing oxygen from the package, which also reduces the package's volume.
Vacuum packaging is preferred for perishable food items because it reduces oxygen levels in the package, which helps control the growth of fungi and bacteria. This method also prevents the evaporation of volatile components. Dry foods like nuts, cereals, cheese, cured meats, coffee, crispy potato chips, and smoked fish are commonly stored in vacuum packaging for extended periods. The bacteria control property of vacuum packaging also allows for the short-term storage of fresh foods, including meats, liquids, and vegetables.
In addition to food products, vacuum packaging is used for storing non-food items like bedding and clothing during off-seasons, as well as for compressing household waste. This type of vacuum packaging is typically done at the domestic level using manual processes. A domestic vacuum cleaner is often used to evacuate the air from the packaging before sealing it with a reliable sealer.
Containers such as cylinders, plastic bags, mason jars, or bottles available in homes can be used for vacuum packing various items, both food and non-food. When packaging delicate items like crispy potato chips, nitrogen gas is used to replace the oxygen inside the package to prevent crushing while still controlling deterioration.
Various types of vacuum packaging machines are used for both domestic and commercial packaging of food and non-food items. They are generally classified into two categories: external sealing machines and internal sealing machines. Here’s a detailed look at these machines:
In external sealing machines, a plastic bag is attached externally to the vacuum sealing equipment, which removes the air from the bag and seals it. Since the items are sealed outside the equipment, these machines are known as external sealing machines.
Internal sealing machines are used for vacuum packaging items within the machine. These include:
In single vacuum chamber machines, the entire product is placed inside the machine for vacuum packaging. The product is put in a plastic bag inside the machine, the air is removed after closing the lid, and the package is heat-sealed. Any remaining air in the bag is squeezed out by air entering through an external vent, which opens automatically after sealing. This method is typically used for packaging low to medium volumes of solids and liquids.
Double vacuum chamber machines are used for medium-volume packaging. The process is similar to single vacuum chamber machines, but these machines increase efficiency with fully automatic or spring-weighted lids that swing from one side to the other. They are commonly used for vacuum packaging processed meat, fresh meat, chocolates, sweets, and various types of cheese.
In automatic belt vacuum chamber machines, items are placed in flow-wrapped pouches or plastic bags, which are automatically placed on the seal bar by traveling on conveyor belts. The lid is closed, and the package is sealed after removing the air. The high-speed conveyor belt allows for quick vacuum packaging of large items. These machines are used for packing large logs of sausage, cheese, processed meat, and fresh meat.
Thermoforming or rollstock vacuum packaging machines are used in large manufacturing units. Rolls of packaging film, known as webbing, are used to produce vacuum-packed items by loading the product into thermoformed pockets. The webbing is placed on top, and the product is vacuum-sealed. These high-speed machines can use various types of plastic webbing suitable for the items being packed. They are used for vacuum packaging sausages, chocolates, sweets, marinated and fresh meat, cheese, ready-to-eat foods, antiques, coins, and medical and pharmaceutical items.
Various types of vacuum packaging machines are used to prevent the deterioration of delicate and perishable food and non-food items by removing oxygen from their packages. These machines play a crucial role in extending the shelf life of products and reducing packaging volume, making them an essential tool in both domestic and commercial settings.
By understanding the different types of vacuum packaging machines and their benefits, you can make informed decisions about the best methods for preserving your products.
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