Sausage and Cold Cut Packaging Machine

Packaging sausages, cold cuts, and other processed meat products is considered one of the most crucial stages in the production and market distribution of these products. Proper packaging can significantly impact the preservation of quality, shelf life, and nutritional value of these products. Methods for packaging sausages and cold cuts include using packaging within containers, plastic pouches, paper wrappers, or a combination of these materials. Each of these methods has its own advantages and disadvantages. In packaging these products, factors such as preserving the product's original properties, preventing deformation, avoiding oxidation, keeping out air and moisture, and ensuring resistance to impact and mechanical transfer must be carefully considered. Packen is a manufacturer of various packaging machines equipped with advanced technologies. Sausage and cold cut packaging machines are available in automatic, semi-automatic, and household models, depending on industrial or workshop production needs. The company's tray sealer machines feature MAP technology, which extends the product's shelf life. Protein products include cold cuts, sausages, roast meat, bacon, processed chicken nuggets, and more. Unlike fresh meat, the red color of processed meat products is preserved during processing by adding specific ingredients such as salt, spices, and sodium nitrite. The packaging bags for processed meat must effectively protect against oxygen infiltration and moisture loss, maximizing shelf life, which is essential for long distribution chains and irregular consumer purchasing patterns.

Importance and Benefits of Packaging Protein Products

In the sausage and cold cut industry, packaging is one of the most crucial factors for maintaining the quality and nutritional value of the products. Packaging serves as an essential element in preserving freshness, extending shelf life, maintaining the product's original properties, and preventing contamination and waste. Packaging processed products, including sausages and cold cuts, can lead to the following benefits: Preserving Product Quality: Packaging processed products like sausages and cold cuts helps maintain their quality and flavor by limiting exposure to air and moisture. Extended Shelf Life: Packaging increases the shelf life of products, allowing them to be stored for longer periods. Additionally, using Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) can extend the shelf life of products by three to four times. Maintaining Consumer Health and Safety: Packaging helps prevent contamination by blocking the entry of microbes and bacteria and controlling the air within the package. Facilitating Transportation: Proper packaging makes it easier to transport products to stores and consumers. Standardized packaging also reduces the rate of returns and protects the product from physical damage. Enhancing Product Commercial Value: Packaging processed products like sausages and cold cuts can increase their commercial value by preserving quality and appearance. Added value through packaging plays a crucial role for producers, potentially leading to higher revenue. Reducing Waste and Material Loss: Producing packaged products serves as a cost-effective solution to minimize waste and material loss by preventing spoilage. By reducing waste, producers can achieve higher profitability from their products. Improved Product Visibility: Transparent industrial packaging helps make fresh, qualified products easily identifiable. As a result, consumers can easily inspect the products they purchase, ensuring they select items of the highest quality. Increased Production Capacity: By using industrial packaging, manufacturers can boost their production capacity. This approach serves as a solution to improve production processes and increase the speed at which products are produced and brought to market. Product Differentiation: With proper packaging, products can be easily categorized and stored in separate packages. This makes it simple to distinguish and organize products into different groups.

Proper Packaging of Processed Meat Products

The main challenges in packaging processed meat products include preventing microbial growth, color changes, and oxidative degradation. For both cooked and uncooked meat products, the heating process should effectively destroy vegetative bacterial cells and deactivate destructive enzymes while preserving the product's color. Issues with these products are primarily due to post-process contamination or poor hygiene and inadequate control methods. Some uncooked meat products, such as beef burgers, contain sulfur dioxide, often added in the form of sodium metabisulfite. This additive serves as an effective preservative against a wide range of spoilage mechanisms. Cooked meat products and boiled meats owe their pink color to the use of nitrite, which reacts with the myoglobin in the meat to form nitrosylmyoglobin. Although these pigments are relatively stable, they are prone to oxidative bleaching, especially when exposed to light. Therefore, cooked meat products should be packaged with oxygen. The addition of nitrite and salt can further inhibit bacteria that cause food poisoning. However, this inhibition may be compromised in products that are formulated with reduced salt, nitrite, or other preservatives. Regarding potential effects, any changes in product formulation should be approached with caution. Plain cooked meat without additional preservatives may be at risk for the growth of Clostridium botulinum, an anaerobic bacterium. This risk can be controlled using Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) and by storing the product in a cold environment. Processed meat products contain significant amounts of unsaturated fats, which are susceptible to oxidative spoilage. To address this issue, removing oxygen and using Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) can effectively prevent this type of spoilage.

Spoilage in Meat Products

Spoilage in these products occurs due to the high microbial flora in the raw materials, often caused by bacteria and yeasts. Typically, spoilage in meat products manifests in three forms:

1. Slime Formation
2. Souring
3. Greening

Slime is a gray, sticky texture that forms from the aggregation of small colonies of Lactobacillus bacteria and yeasts in the early stages of production. Sour spoilage also occurs due to the fermentation of lactose and the production of organic acids by Lactobacillus and Streptococcus bacteria. Finally, Lactobacillus viridescens acts on the pigments of processed meat, causing the formation of green pigments. Packaging of meat products is very important due to the high possibility of spoilage. One of the suitable methods to increase the shelf life and control spoilage in these products is the use of the Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) method. In this method, in addition to removing oxygen from inside the product's package, which prevents oxidation reactions, the injection of various gases in specific ratios can prevent the growth of Lactobacillus and yeasts, which are mainly anaerobic.

Operation of the Production and Packaging Line for Processed Products

The production and packaging line for protein products typically involves several stages, which are explained in detail below: Product Preparation and Processing: This stage, which occurs before packaging, includes various tasks required for product production. It involves sourcing raw materials, conducting technical inspections, washing, cutting, and slicing the products, among other processes. Packaging: At this stage, the products are packaged in desired quantities using an automatic packaging machine. The packaging is designed for easy sale, storage, and transportation. Freezing and Cold Storage: In the freezing or cold storage section, products that need to be frozen are exposed to very low temperatures, which causes them to freeze and extends their shelf life. This process reduces the growth of bacteria and microorganisms, helping to ensure the safety of the foodstuff for consumers. The products remain in these cold storage facilities until they are ready to be transports to stores or other customers. Throughout each stage, the quality of materials and products is inspected and examined to ensure the highest possible quality for production and delivery to the customer.

Types of Packaging Machines for Processed Products

Here, we will explore optimal methods for packaging processed protein products using various types of packaging machines:

Automatic tray sealer packaging machine

The packaging process for processed protein products using this machine is as follows:

1. Placement of Pre-Made Trays: The pre-made trays are placed on the machine either automatically by a denester or manually.
2. UV Sterilization: The empty trays pass through a UV tunnel, where they are sterilized. This step reduces the microbial load inside the packaging, which directly impacts the shelf life of the products.
3. Loading the Product: The product is then loaded into the trays either automatically using a filling machine or manually.
4. Sealing and Vacuum Packaging: The trays containing the product are guided into the machine’s mold, where they are vacuumed and packaged. At this stage, a film is sealed over the tray.
5. Rower: After sealing, the packaged trays are automatically aligned in a row by a conveyor system.
6. Jet Printer: A jet printer then prints additional information, such as product details, on the packaging.
7. Final Placement: The final packaged products are placed on a rotating traffic table at the end of the line, ready for further handling or distribution.

The Automatic Tray Sealer Packaging Machine is one of the products manufactured by Packen Company and has the following features:

• Fully automatic with easy operation.
• Adjustable to accommodate different tray sizes.
• Various options available based on customer needs.

For more information, you can view the Automatic tray sealer packaging machine page.

Semi automatic tray sealer packaging machine

The semi-automatic tray sealer is used for packaging processed protein products on a small to medium scale. This machine is also suitable for use in stores and small businesses. How It Works:

1. Placing the Filled Trays: The operator places the filled trays onto the machine's mold.
2. Rotating the Table: The machine’s table must then be manually rotated 180 degrees by the operator.
3. Sealing the Trays: The operator presses the control buttons, which activates the machine to start the packaging process.

The Semi-Automatic Tray Sealer Packaging Machine has the following features:

• Suitable for low to medium packaging capacity
• Requires small space
• Affordable with easy operation
• Various options available based on customer needs

For more information, you can view the Semi-Automatic Tray Sealer Packaging Machine page.

Vacuum chamber packaging machine

The Vacuum Chamber Packaging Machine is used for packaging various food products, including processed products, in plastic bags. Some of its key features include:

• Vacuum packaging or Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) methods.
• Equipped with a powerful oil rotary vacuum pump with high suction capacity.
• Strong and error-free sealing.
• Easy to operate.

For more information, you can view the Vacuum chamber packaging machine page.

Thermoforming Packaging Machine

The Thermoforming Packaging Machine from Packen Company is widely used for packaging various food products, including processed items. This machine is ideal for large-scale packaging and is employed by many factories. It allows for fully automated packaging of products using either flexible or rigid films. With this machine, it is possible to produce trays in various sizes from film material directly on the production line. It also supports automatic loading and packaging of these trays using different methods.

• Thermoforming Machine Functionality: The thermoforming machine can package products into plastic trays. Unlike tray sealers, which only seal pre-made trays, the thermoforming machine also creates the trays from film. The process involves loading the film into the machine, forming it into trays using molds, and then packaging the products. Finally, the trays are cut into individual pieces.
• Additional Features: The machine can be equipped with UV tunnels and various types of fillers. After the product is loaded into the trays, they are guided to the sealing mold. If needed, vacuuming and gas injection are performed. The film is then sealed over the trays, which are cut and ejected from the machine.
• End-of-Line Equipment: At the end of the machine, auxiliary equipment such as an automatic rower, jet printer, traffic table, and even an automatic lidder can be added to complete the packaging line.

Features of the Thermoforming Packaging Machine from Packen Company:

• Easy Cleaning: Stainless steel construction that is resistant to corrosion and oxidation.
• Compatibility: Works with various trays and products.
• Filler Installation: Ability to install different types of fillers on the machine.
• Labeling and Printing: Can be equipped with a labeler and jet printer.
• Custom Options: Customizable based on customer requirements.

It is worth noting that the machines from Packen Company are capable of packaging not only processed products but also the following products:

• Various dry foods
• Ready-to-eat cold foods
• Pickled vegetables (such as pickled cucumbers and olives) and pickles
• Various meat, poultry, and fish products
• Vegetables, greens, fruits, and salads
• Some dairy products like cheese
• Bread and pastries
• Medical devices and cosmetics

For more information, you can view the Thermoforming Packaging Machine page.

Packaged Trays for Processed Foods

Containers used for packaging various products can be designed and manufactured in different shapes and materials, including:

• C-PET
• A-PET
• Polypropylene
• PVC
• Styrene
• Aluminum Smooth Wall

Processed meat is mainly packaged using multilayer composite films that can be vacuumed and frozen. These multilayer films use high protective properties from materials such as PVDC, EVOH, or nylon, which are commonly chosen to meet long-term shelf life requirements. Common packaging materials for processed meat: Since we specialize in packaging various food products as well as medical devices and pet foods, we can provide you with the necessary information on how to select the right type of film and tray for your product. Trays with attractive shapes can enhance the elegance of the packaging and impact sales. Packen, with its expertise in packaging machinery manufacturing, can offer customized molds for tray production to its clients. Therefore, customers who require trays with unique shapes to differentiate their meat products from standard market trays can submit their designs. At Packen, we use a 3D printer to create prototypes, and after your approval, the mold is made, and the desired trays are produced in your preferred quantities. You can consult with Packen to choose the best tray for packaging your processed products and obtain the most suitable tray at the best price.

Types of Films Used in Packaging

The types of films used in packaging include:

• Standard 2-Layer Films
• Multilayer Barrier Films
• Skin Pack Films

Packen provides a variety of trays made from different materials for both food and pharmaceutical applications.

Important Considerations When Purchasing a Machine

Purchasing a packaging machine for processed products is one of the most crucial stages in the production and distribution process. Here are some important considerations for buying a packaging machine for processed products: Your Needs: The first aspect to consider is your own requirements. Evaluate what products you plan to package in the future. Type of Machine: Considering the level of automation of the packaging machine for processed foodstuff is an important factor in purchasing. Packaging machines for processed products can be manual, semi-automatic, or fully automatic. As the level of automation increases, labor requirements decrease, resulting in reduced production costs and greater efficiency from the packaging machine. Determine which type of machine best matches your business needs. Automatic packaging machines generally offer higher levels of automation, which increases speed and accuracy in the packaging process, but they also have the highest cost. Machine Efficiency: Choosing a machine with high efficiency can improve your product output and reduce production costs. For example, a high-speed machine can package your products in less time, reducing production downtime. After-Sales Service: After-sales services, including repair, spare parts supply, periodic maintenance, and technical training, are crucial for packaging machine of processed foods and throughout the machine’s lifespan, these services can help ensure the machine operates optimally and minimize repair and maintenance costs. Therefore, you should ensure that the seller updates its after-sales services and has the capability to repair the machine. Brand and Manufacturer: Selecting a reputable and well-known company and brand for the packaging machine can ensure quality and proper performance. Established companies and brands typically produce qualified equipment with up-to-date technology, which can assist in the machine’s longevity and after-sales service. Hygienic Standards: Standards indicate the quality and safety of the machine, and adhering to them helps you select a machine that meets regulations and quality requirements. There are various standards for packaging machines, such as: CE Standard: This standard is mandatory for electronic devices in the European Union concerning safety, health, and environmental protection. FDA Standard: This standard is crucial for devices used in the food industry, focusing on hygiene, safety, and food quality. GMP Standard: This standard is important for devices used in the pharmaceutical and dietary supplement industries, emphasizing hygiene, safety, and quality. ISO Standard: This standard is used to assess quality management systems, environmental management, safety, and hygiene. By considering these standards, you can choose machines that are qualified and compliant with regulations. Additionally, number of packaging machine manufacturers adhere to other standards that might be important to you, such as HACCP or ISO 22000. Price: While price is an important consideration when purchasing a packaging machine for processed products, it should not be the sole deciding factor. It is essential to consider all other aspects to select a machine that offers the best quality and performance, balancing your needs with the available budget. Ease of Use and Efficiency: A machine with simpler operation requires less training, allowing users to operate it professionally with minimal specialized knowledge. This can offer several advantages, including reduced training time, lower maintenance and repair costs, fewer errors, increased productivity, and prevention of mistakes.

Cost of Purchasing a Machine

The cost of purchasing a packaging machine for processed products depends on factors such as technical specifications, quality, level of automation, type of packaging, and production capacity. When buying a packaging machine, you should not focus solely on the price but also consider your needs and business goals to select the best option. Generally, higher-priced, qualified machines can save time, reduce costs, and increase productivity. It’s important to note that while a high-quality machine might come with a higher initial cost, it can be more cost-effective in the long run, potentially offsetting the purchase price. Additionally, qualified machines typically have a longer lifespan and offer better packaging quality. Ultimately, choose a machine that aligns with your business needs, balancing both price and quality. If necessary, you can compare prices from different suppliers to make a more informed decision.

Cost of Buying a Used Packaging Machine

The price of purchasing a used packaging machine depends on factors such as the type of machine, brand, and technical specifications. Generally, used machines are less expensive than new ones. However, while they may be a cost-effective solution, lower prices do not necessarily mean lower overall costs, as maintenance and repairs could lead to additional expenses.

Disadvantages of Used Machines:

1. Lower Quality: Used machines may have lower quality due to previous use, fluctuations in temperature and humidity, etc.
2. Shorter Lifespan: Used machines may break down or require more repairs after a few months or years of operation.
3. Increased Maintenance Needs: Compared to new machines, used machines often require more frequent repairs and maintenance, leading to higher costs for repairs and parts replacement.
4. No Guarantee: Most sellers of used machines do not offer guaranty. If the machine fails, you will incur additional repair costs.
5. Lack of Spare Parts: Spare parts for used machines may not be readily available, and you may need to use non-original parts, potentially reducing the machine’s quality and performance.
6. Insufficient Capabilities: A used packaging machine may lack specific options and settings, possibly failing to meet your production needs and requiring you to purchase a new machine later.
7. Hygiene Issues: There may be hygiene concerns and potential product contamination due to improper cleaning and maintenance in the past.
8. Safety Risks: Using old or defective machines may pose safety hazards if not properly repaired. Faulty electrical or mechanical parts can lead to severe accidents, such as electric shocks, fires, or injury from machine parts.

If you decide to buy a used packaging machine, ensure you do thorough research and buy from reputable and experienced sellers to avoid issues like lack of guaranty and poor quality. However, purchasing a new machine from reliable and experienced suppliers is often the best option, as it ensures high quality, optimal performance, and reliable after-sales support.

Cost of a Processed Product Packaging Line

The cost of a processed product packaging line depends on several factors. To determine the precise cost, it is best to contact various manufacturers and suppliers for detailed information. Below are some factors that influence the cost of this equipment:

1. Size and Capacity of the Line: Larger production lines generally cost more.
2. Production Line Capabilities: Production Lines with special features, such as the capability to produce packaging in various sizes and shapes, tend to be more expensive.
3. Raw Materials Used in Packaging: More qualified and expensive raw materials typically increase the cost.
4. Used Technology: Production lines with advanced and modern technology are the most costly.
5. Labor Costs: Costs for labor related to the installation, setup, and long-term maintenance of the packaging line are also significant.
6. Installation Location: The location of the installation can affect the cost; for instance, installing and setting up in remote or difficult-to-reach areas may incur higher costs.
7. Payment Terms: For instance, paying in cash might result in a lower cost.

Purchasing Processed Product Packaging Machine on Installment

Purchasing machine on an installment basis is a method used to finance the acquisition of such machine. When considering installment purchase of processed product packaging machine, you should pay attention to the following:

1. Review Terms and Conditions: Before purchasing the packaging machine, carefully examine the installment payment conditions, interest rates, down payment amount, and other related terms.
2. Evaluate Pricing: Compare the total cost of the packaging machine, including the down payment and interest, with market prices and similar equipment to ensure a fair balance between price and quality.
3. Check the Supplier: The company offering the packaging machine should be financially, technically, and legally reputable and reliable.

Purchasing machine on an installment basis, provided it is done with a reputable and reliable supplier, can be a suitable option for your business. With this method, you can acquire the necessary machine by paying an initial down payment and then cover the remaining cost through monthly installments.

Consultation Request

When it comes to purchasing packaging machine for processed products, it is crucial for customers seeking to enhance the quality of their product packaging. Our technical experts are ready to assist you with their experience and technical knowledge to provide the best solutions. To request a consultation, you can contact our technical team and share the details of your needs. At this stage, our experts can guide you and suggest which equipment best matches your requirements and budget.