Vacuum Packaging

Vacuum packaging is a technique that removes oxygen from a laminated bag that holds products before they reach their end-user. This method is used to protect the contents from contamination or decomposition resulting from exposure to air, moisture, or dirt. Appropriate types of food are stored in this airless environment, usually in an air-tight pack or bottle, to prevent the growth of microorganisms. The vacuum environment removes atmospheric oxygen, protecting the food from spoiling by limiting the growth of aerobic bacteria or fungi, and preventing the evaporation of volatile components. Vacuum packing is commonly used for long-term storage of dry foods such as cereals, nuts, cured meats, cheese, smoked fish, coffee, and chips. It is also used for the storage of fresh foods such as vegetables, meats, and liquids (such as soups) in a shorter term. Vacuum packaging food can extend its life by up to 3-5 times.

How and Why Oxygen Is Removed In Packaging

Vacuum sealing is used extensively in the food industry, particularly when packaging fresh foods and a wide variety of processed and frozen foods. Vacuum packaging is also used in other industries, such as the healthcare and electronics industries, for example, when packaging medical devices, pharmaceutical products, household items, and electronics devices and components. Packaging is done differently across these industries. In the food industry, especially when dealing with delicate foods, this is done by using an inert gas kit, typically available on chamber vacuum sealers. After air has been removed, an inert gas is added to maintain the preservation of packaged food while preventing damage. An example of inert gas for packaging delicate foods is potato chips. Equipment is available to process solid and liquid materials. Vacuum packaging techniques allow a wide range of product sizes, weights, and configurations to be run through standard machines (for low to high volume applications) that provide varying levels of vacuum and gas level control. Sophisticated controls that closely monitor oxygen and gas levels will ensure that these products and materials will retain their integrity after packaging. For demanding applications, machines come equipped with external monitoring of seal temperature, seal time, seal pressure, and gas pressure.

The Numerous Uses For Vacuum Packaging

There are a wide range of products that benefit from being packaged without oxygen throughout the shipping, storage, and sales process. As mentioned above, vegetables, fruits, fish, meats, and other food products are frequently packaged with a vacuum sealer machine. Since the freezing process can compromise the seal integrity of the bag, foods are frozen before packaging. Other industries have realized the benefits of oxygen-free packaging. Products such as medical devices are commonly packaged with a vacuum sealer machine as well as household products and personal items. Vacuuming will prevent jewelry items and metal products from tarnishing and is a viable solution for the long term storage of these products. Link back to the top of this Vacuum Packaging page.

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