Meat, Fish & PoultryCheese & DairyBlog
The 5 success factors of shrink packaging
Shrink packaging is irreplaceable in B2B processes in the meat and cheese industries.
Offering highest efficiency, pack integrity and reliability they allow customers to ripen their valuable meat or cheese products to perfection. But not only that, they also function as POS (point of sale) packaging for smaller pieces, such as 180-250g Parmesan blocks.
Finding the perfect shrink packaging seems easier than it actually is. Especially when considering packing food over months during the ripening process, you need to make sure that you choose the right packaging for your product to keep efficiency high and avoid the waste of resources.
In this blog, we will delve into the five crucial success factors that contribute to effective shrink packaging.
#1 Choosing the Right Bag:
Let’s start with the basics: Selecting the appropriate bag size and material thickness for your product not only makes your production more efficient, it also saves resources. A bag that is too large or too thick can lead to excessive material wastage and compromised aesthetics, while a bag that is too thin might not adequately protect the product. Achieving the right balance between product fit and efficient material usage is therefore essential.
#2 High Shrink Performance:
The shrink performance of the packaging material is a critical factor in achieving a safe and appealing final result. High shrinkage rate ensures that the film conforms tightly to the contours of the product, creating a neat and attractive appearance. The more important however is a regular shrinkage helps avoid seepage of liquids and possible compromises on pack integrity.
#3 Optimal Barrier Properties:
The barrier properties of the shrink film are vital for preserving the quality and shelf life of the packaged product. Different products require varying levels of protection from external elements such as oxygen and protection from the loss of moisture. Currently the main barriers used in shrink packaging are EVOH or PvdC, and also Polyamide, each of them having quite a different profile.
#4 Selecting the Right Material for Product and Sustainability Strategy:
In today’s eco-conscious landscape, considering the environmental impact of packaging materials is clearly part of each manufacturer’s scope of actions. Choosing the right material that aligns with your sustainability strategy is a key success factor. Opting for materials that are reduced in thickness – the current state of the art goes down to approximately 40µm – are that are designed for recycling not only helps you save resources but also makes your brand more appealing to environmentally-conscious consumers.
#5 Appropriate Confectioning for Your Machinery:
The efficiency of the packaging process is heavily influenced by the compatibility between the chosen packaging material and the packaging machinery. Ensuring that the material’s characteristics, such as thickness and shrink behavior, align with the capabilities of your machinery prevents issues like uneven shrinkage or film jams. Conducting thorough testing and fine-tuning the packaging process to match your specific equipment leads to smoother operations and consistent, high-quality results.
Summing up, shrink packaging demands careful attention to various details to achieve optimal outcomes. From selecting the right bag size and barrier properties to ensuring high shrink performance and sustainable material choices, each factor plays a vital role in enhancing product presentation, protection, and market appeal.
Sounds complicated – and it actually is! The good thing is, we are here to help. At adapa we have approximately 40 years of experience with this amazing packaging and would be happy to support you in finding the best packaging for you and your product.