Automated Packaging Solutions for Fresh Ready Meals
A manufacturer of fresh ready meals wants to automate its packaging process. The chilled food products need to be packaged hygienically, sealed securely and reliably protected throughout their intended shelf life. At the same time, the company is looking for suitable packaging films and wants to explore the use of recycling-oriented materials.
For this application, alpha-pack GmbH develops a custom-configured thermoforming packaging machine for ready meals. tbs-pack GmbH supplies the matching thermoforming films and sealing films.
As part of the Home of Packaging network, the machine and packaging materials are coordinated from a single source. The entire packaging solution is tailored to the food product, the required shelf life and the production process.
A thermoforming machine creates the packaging directly from a roll of film. The bottom film is heated and formed into the required shape. The resulting cavities are then filled with the ready meal, covered with a top film, securely sealed and cut into individual packs.
Depending on the product, the ready meals can be packaged under vacuum or in a modified atmosphere. With modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), the gas composition inside the pack is specifically adapted to the food. This can help preserve product quality and freshness throughout the intended shelf life.
alpha-pack configures each thermoforming machine according to:
The result is a ready meal packaging machine designed around the specific requirements of the product and the required production capacity.
Reliable processing requires the packaging machine and film to work together perfectly. tbs-pack develops and manufactures suitable thermoforming films for food packaging as well as compatible sealing films.
Important factors in material selection include:
Before production begins, alpha-pack and tbs-pack test the interaction between the film and the machine. Forming performance, sealing temperature, seal integrity and cycle speed are carefully coordinated.
This allows potential forming or sealing problems to be identified at an early stage, helping to reduce material waste, rejected packs and production downtime.
On request, we assess whether a recycling-oriented film structure can be used for the application. The essential requirements are that product protection, barrier performance, seal integrity and reliable machine processing remain fully assured.
Whether packaging can actually be recycled depends on the complete packaging structure and the available regional collection, sorting and recycling infrastructure. The bottom film, sealing film, barrier layers and all other packaging components must therefore be evaluated as a complete system.
When preformed meal trays or sealing trays are used, the products are packaged with a tray sealing machine from alpha-pack.
For these applications, tbs-pack supplies A-PET, C-PET and R-PET meal trays together with compatible sealing films.
As with thermoformed packaging, the tray sealing machine, tray and sealing film are coordinated according to the product, required shelf life and production process. This creates a reliable packaging solution for chilled ready meals and other convenience food products.
Would you like to package fresh ready meals automatically, hygienically and securely?
We will help you select the right thermoforming or tray sealing machine and coordinate the packaging material, barrier properties and sealing performance with your production process.
Request your individual packaging solution today:
Telephone: +49 2235 79479 0 E-Mail: info_at_alphapack.de
+49 2235 470480
+49 2235 794796
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