Packing frozen foods: The top 5 considerations
Frozen food is one of the most diverse and rapidly growing supermarket categories. From IQF protein, fruits, and vegetables to seafood, in recent years, we have seen a rise in enquiries from companies seeking effective and reliable ways to pack a whole range of frozen foods. If you’re considering introducing a new vertical form fill and seal (VFFS) machine to your line, then there are five key things you will need to consider and discuss with your chosen VFFS machinery supplier.
Environment
The packaging of frozen foods can present a unique range of operational and engineering challenges. Equipment installed in these facilities will need to be carefully designed, so it is reliable and efficient and also easy to maintain and operate. Machinery must be able to withstand low temperatures along with high factory hygiene standards.
Forming Set & Product Handling
VFFS packaging machines operating in frozen food factories often require specially designed forming sets. Consideration must be given to the type of product, piece weight and size. IQF products can sometimes present problems where the wrapping material needs to be protected during the machine packaging cycle. Similar issues will also need to be addressed when specifying the product feed system, including a simple linear type weigher, servo volumetric filler, and multi-head weighers.
Film Type & Feed System
Not all types of packaging materials are suitable for use in a frozen food factory. In most situations, frozen food is packaged in LDPE (polyethylene) type materials. This material offers benefits in terms of strength (puncture resistance) and finished pack performance during distribution and in-store display. There are also benefits in terms of recyclability and re-use. As an alternative, high-performance laminate materials can be used for premium product applications. VFFS machines can be specified with dual sealing systems to ensure all the materials listed above can be run in production.
Secondary & End of Line Packaging
All GIC machines can be fully interfaced to a range of secondary packaging machinery, including cardboard box erectors, filling machinery, and plastic reusable crate systems. This end-of-line plant will also include check weighers, metal detection machinery and pallet loading equipment.
Non-Contact, Low-Maintenance Pack Sealing
High speeds are often part of the project brief we receive from the frozen food sector. For the vertical seal, we can offer the TOSS HAS system continuous motion machines. This non-contact, low-maintenance system is ideally suited to working in frozen food factories and is compatible with LDPE film and other similar films. The system produces a stream of hot air with sufficient heat to seal the film as it passes through the vertical form fill and seal machine.
If you’re considering upgrading your current packaging machinery or introducing an automated packaging system and need any help or advice, please don’t hesitate to fill in our contact form, email info@gic.uk.net or call 01427 611885.
