Pack Agrochemicals and other Bottled Products Using High Quality Barrier Films

Important quality characteristics of Evoh

Ever since this substance was developed, the packaging process was greatly improved due to its excellent sealing qualities.

These sheets, when used to pack food and bottled products stop the passage of air and oxygen which reduce contamination from bacterial and spoiling.

Applications requiring high sealing capacity have layers that reduce cracking when folded. These stop the material from breaking when folded. Stresses imposed by transporting, wrapping and handling products do not break the layer.

Since the materials are an air tight foil; entry of aroma, bad and other industrial smells into the protected products is limited. In addition, goods with aroma and other pleasant smells are preserved inside.

These foils not only limit gases entry but also liquids. They prevent evaporation of oils, hydrocarbons and other organic solvents.

Latest cutting edge technology

Vacuum bags are made of high resistant barrier materials such as PA/EVOH, etc The thickness of the pouch are increased or decreased as per the customization requests from various industries. This product is available in different sizes and offers protection and moisture resistant properties to the products.

What Food Industry has to Share about Vacuum Bag Sealing?

Currently, most of these strips are developed using modern technology to improve their sealing and shielding properties.

They are formulated using specialized extrusion equipments that use blown foil technology which allow the production of flat and very strong strips.

Most strips are also manufactured from sophisticated materials such as Evoh (Ethyl vinyl alcohol copolymer), nylon, polyolefins, polypropylene and plastomers.

Achieving specially designed rolls using co extruded films

Currently, multilayered seals are preferred in medical, food and chemical packaging. The technology entails using two or more coating of thin strips to improve the properties of the foils.

By using one coating as an anti leak and an anchor coating with high strength; the resulting barrier is able to withstand fracture and tear as well as provide excellent sealing ability.

Special barriers used in medical wrapping have deposits of anti microbial layer added to the barrier material. This prevents entry of bacterial and other microorganisms and ensures aseptic wrapping is achieved.

Cast grade sheets manufactured by deep draw molding are used for high strength applications in food and industrial packaging.

Bottling agrochemicals using Evoh laced bottles

Agrochemicals and pesticides must be packaged well to prevent entry of air, microbes, water and other harmful items. The covering materials must also not be attacked by the product inside the bottle.

Bottles are therefore laced with a shielding sheet to prevent leakages and corrosion of the chemicals. This creates a leak-proof and anticorrosion coating.

Anti corrosion properties of these materials

Ordinary protective strips made from organic films are corroded by industrial and agrochemicals. To prevent this, the internal layer of the shield is made using aluminum, zinc and alloys to prevent corrosion.

Metalized grade foils have shielding coating and a thin foil of aluminum added to increase strength and prevent anti-corrosion. These films are widely used to pack foods, pharmaceuticals and industrial chemicals.

Economics of Evoh barrier films as compared to other materials

Evoh barrier films have special characteristics which reduce wrapping costs. A one millimeter Evoh is equivalent to ten meters of LPDE (low density polyethylene). High strength also allows for high speed packaging and reduces cost.

Vacuum Pouches - A Food Safety Approach

The attractive display of vacuum-packed foods on the shelves displays innovation at its best. Vacuum pouches offer a lot more than the aesthetics.

Advantages and Risks of Vacuum Packed Foods

Vacuum packing, also referred to as reduced oxygen packing and utilizes special packing materials referred to as vacuum pouches. Presence of oxygen creates a rich medium for development of spoilage microorganisms, which leads to faster deterioration of edible products and pose a serious food safety risk. Oxygen is mechanically reduced in the package thus altering the normal environment of development of microorganisms.

Some advantages of vacuum pouches in vacuum packing include slowing of microbial growth, prevention of fading/color changes and reducing moisture losses.

Microbial Risk in Use of Vacuum pouches

Despite elimination of oxygen, there are still other microbes developing in the absence of oxygen. These are called anaerobic bacteria, the most obnoxious being Clostridium botulinum. Another anaerobic bacterium is called listeria monocytogenes developing even at very low temperatures.

Control of Food Safety Hazards in Vacuum Packing

These microbes are managed through vacuum packing and this is done through four key processes, which are temperature management, reducing the shelf life, enhancing sanitation, and using the correct vacuum pouches.

Types /Methods of Reduced Oxygen Packing

Depending on the manipulation of gases in the package, certain types of oxygen packing are recognized. These include;

• Vacuum packing: Involves mechanical removal of air from the package after which it is heat-sealed. The Vacuum pouches material then acts as a barrier preventing entry of gases and moisture into the package.

• Modified atmosphere package: This is the process whereby the removed air is replaced with another gas such as carbon dioxide or even nitrogen after which sealing is done. The process of introducing other gases is referred to as “back flushing”. The introduced gases in the vacuum pouch also act as a cushion against the damaging effect of pressure on the soft foods.

• Controlled atmosphere packing: Usually done for containerized food products. The container is fitted with a system that continuously maintains the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels at a certain set point, which prevents development of harmful organisms.

• Cook chilling involves putting hot cooked food into the package and sealing with a metal/plastic seal.

• Sous Vide process involves packing partially cooked foods combined with raw ingredients after which they are frozen and sold off. This is a pasteurization process for reducing activity of bacteria though it does not give a long shelf life.

Temperature Management in Use of Vacuum pouches

The recommended temperatures by the international food code stipulate a temperature of 410 F or at least five degrees lower than 32 degrees. This effectively prevents growth of listeria. Addition of multiple barriers to the food keeps away the clostridium botulinum bacteria.

Regulations and Standards in Use of Vacuum pouches

Food packaging material to be used is determined primarily by the type of food. Regulations governing food packaging includes the food code /Codex Alimentarius, and the ISO 22000 (global standards for food safety). Among the auditable standards includes prove of non-existence of bacteria and a microbial swipe must be done regularly to ensure the safety of the food.

Conclusion

Vacuum packing and the use of vacuum pouches are effective measures in the prevention of contamination in packed foods. Adherence to the required temperature and barrier requirements ensures total elimination of contamination.

This article has been posted by Ankit Doshi.

Bulk Bag Liner Designs and Liner Materials

Liner Material - For Stronger Packaging Solution

Liner materials are manufactured as per the custom requirement. It is meant for additional support for packaging materials that are especially in a bag shape or even a container. These liners are made from different raw materials which will be chosen based on the grade of usage such as liners for packing food materials and liners for chemicals and medicinal products, etc.

Bulk Liner in Different Dimensions

Bulk bag barrier liner materials are produced in different dimensions based on the shape of the packaging material. Find out more designs customized for the respective industries for example,

• Cargo Packing -Fabric Liner in larger dimension is produced for cargo industry to apply as an additional protective feature. It is used as a complete liner for large sized containers. It is made up of aluminium fabric which contains thermal and moisture insulation features. This kind of liner is highly applied to containers or smaller size packaging options which are used to pack materials like sugar, chemicals, flour, salt, etc.

• Packing Liquid and Semi Liquids-A liner made from multiple layers of PA/EVOH films is a suitable solution for packing semi solid and liquid products. These type of liners are known for protection for the product as they cover the products against different types of contamination aspects like oxygen, chemicals, moisture, etc

• Liners for Big Bags-Liners designed for big bags are applied in wide range of industrial packaging. Pharmaceutical companies benefit a lot with these types of liners as there is flexibility in creating different shapes like bottle shape, liner with open top and liners with spout top, etc These types of liners are compatible for printing brand and product details and they are highly resistant to heat, moisture, oxygen and flame.Kindly Visit - http://www.vishakhapolyfab.com/contactus.shtml

• Bag-in-box liner-This is an absolutely customized products that is produced from food grade materials. It is highly applied to pack consumable products like tea, coffee, wheat, rice, flour, dried fruits and nuts, etc. Compared to packing with aluminium foil lining this high barrier liners for bag-in-box is cost effective, remains an efficient choice for packing. It is also puncture resistant and protects products during transit damages and remains a perfect hygienic packaging option for consumable products.

• Lines made from Poly Films and Nine-layer Co-extrusion materials-Protects materials from natural contaminations like moisture and oxygen and other external factors like chemicals.

Bag Liner Manufacturers in India

Vishaka Polyfab manufactures and supplies bulk bag barrier liners made from high barrier flexible films. Our liner products have several package friendly properties which also remain supportive for the products during transit. We choose high barrier flexible films for making customized liners and these liner materials are moisture resistant, less reactive to chemicals and remain static even during adverse transit conditions.

Conclusion

Liners are made from different fabrics and barrier film materials and each type of liner is applied in terms of the moisture and heat resistant property it contains. In addition, line materials stay very efficient and reliable during transit.

This article has been posted by Ankit Doshi.

Bulk Handling Solutions for Moisture Sensitive Products

Most manufactured products inevitably need protection from atmospheric influences no matter how inert they are. This is because the composition of atmosphere has various elements, which will always react to a certain extent with most physical elements. Moisture sensitive products are those that are affected by the presence of humidity and oxygen in the atmosphere. Bag liners protect products from this atmospheric contamination.

Chemical Properties Causing Oxygen and Water Sensitivity

Hygroscopy is one of the properties of elements and molecules that causes water and oxygen sensitivity. It is the characteristic of a substance to draw and hold on to water molecules from the atmosphere. It is important to note that once the substance attracts moisture, it becomes chemically altered. Substances exhibiting this quality include ethanol, sugars, glycerol, salts, chlorides, potassium and sodium hydroxides. Presence of the smallest ration of these substances in the product causes Hygroscopy and must be avoided. Bulk bags liner are special types of bags available in varying sizes used to protect products from moisture contamination during transportation. Kindly Visit - http://www.vishakhapolyfab.com/v-bigbagliner.shtml

Creation of Oxygen and Moisture Barriers in Products Handling

This is done through various means but the most common one is the use of liners. Introducing liners inside the package ensures that the product is excluded from the atmosphere. Caution must be taken on the characteristics of the material used especially when considering the duration or the shelf life of the product .The effect of regular temperature changes during transportation and storage must also be considered while choosing an appropriate protective material.

Strength and Firmness Properties That Ensure Greater Protection

The ability of a material to withstand pressure, temperature fluctuations and even mechanical stresses greatly contributes to the firmness and protection from environmental influences. Development of cracks and micro pores are some of the weaknesses that can go undetected and lead to damage of the products. Thorough analysis of available materials must be done as per the protection requirements for material firmness.

Chemical Composition of Protecting Material

The chemical composition of the liners largely depends on the product characteristics such as Hygroscopy or dust producing properties. Polythene liners or EVOH liners are commonly used and the actual polymers combined depend on the manufacturer.

Commonly Available Dimensions

The average or the typical height of the bulk bag ranges from 30 up to 70 inches and base seam dimensions of 35 * 41 inches. The particular dimensions are however nothing to worry about so much because custom-made bags are available. However, when there is an element of staking or the bag being self-supporting, the base size should be as large as possible due to stability of the flexible packaging material.

Recommended waste management practice after use handling

Recycling of used material is the best waste management system. In case the material is not recyclable, incineration can be done to avoid littering and environmental degradation. It is important to consult with individual states regulations for clear direction on best disposal practice.

Conclusion

Moisture and oxygen contamination are a serious concern or most products. To prevent contamination from occurring, bulk bag liners have been developed to create effective barriers, isolating the product from the atmospheric elements. The strength and permeability of the material are important considerations and permeability tests can be done before using the material.

This article has been posted by Ankit Doshi.

Cost Effective Packaging through EVOH Barrier Film Technology

In packaged and stored foods, lipid oxidation occurs in the presence of oxygen reducing the quality and life of the product. According to research done in the year 2004, an oxygen level of 4-5 ppm is just enough to drastically reduce the shelf life of products like canned meats and vegetables to a period of less than one year.

Quality Losses Due To Oxidation Process in Packaging

Continued research on ways of reducing oxygen contact with the foods has lead to evolution of various packaging methods of heat processed foods other than the metallic cans. Glass jars and polymer plastics are also relatively stable and have also been used.

Why Not the Aluminum Lining?

Apart from oxygen permeability, the flexible packaging film materials must have other attributes such as heat and chemical résistance, strength, puncture resistance, and even printability in order to comply with various food legislations.

The aluminum lining was thus developed to meet with these requirements and serve as an effective oxygen barrier. However, its use requires a thickness of more than 25 micrometers to work effectively. A thickness of less than this increases susceptibility to cracks formation and pin holes leading to oxidation of products.

In addition, lining the packaging material with aluminum is expensive due to multiple lamination steps required. The waste product is also not recyclable and so this was not the ultimate solution.

Ethyl Vinyl Alcohol as an Oxygen Barrier Film

The invention of ethylene vinyl alcohol was a major breakthrough due to its ability to form a high oxygen barrier. Its permeability to oxygen is approximately 0.006cc.mil per 100 square inches per day at temperatures of 23 centigrade.

In addition it has very low moisture sensitivity as long as the atmosphere is kept dry. This has made EVOH to be the product of choice for various retort packaging requirements. Kindly Visit - http://www.vishakhapolyfab.com/contactus.shtml

Manufacture of the Barrier film

This copolymer of ethylene and vinyl alcohol is made under the process of copolymerization. The process is widely adopted because it allows for modifications of the properties of the resulting product to suit the requirements of final package.

The production process involves polymerization of the free radicals followed by a process called saponification. It is important to note that the amounts of ethylene and vinyl alcohol used in manufacture determine the final properties including the mechanical strength and oxygen permeability.

Crystallization Process

This is the process of aggregation of polymer chains to form crystals which have a higher order than the amorphous phase. One of the reasons that for good barrier film properties is due to its high level of crystallinity which results to improved gas and moisture protection.

Scientific Research on Moisture Sensitivity

Despite the overwhelming benefits, this product displays some level of moisture sensitivity when exposed to high relative humidity. Research has shown however that moisture only affects the amorphous phase of the structure and the resulting oxygen permeability is low.

Conclusion

Heat processed foods suffer loss of quality due to packaging that allows oxygen permeability. The aluminum lining was one of the innovations developed to solve this problem but proved ineffective due to development of cracks and pinholes. This led to development of ethyl vinyl alcohol which is synthesized through a process of copolymerization. It has low oxygen permeability and thus more accepted as a barrier film in packaging.

This article has been posted by Ankit Doshi.

Improving Adhesion and Stiffness to Tackle Customization in the Making of Barrier Films

Possible Number of Layers Provided in Barrier Films

Barrier films are produced in 3, 5 7 and 9 layer forms. And the films variety is selected to pack different materials like liquid, semi liquid, food products, consumer products, etc. The co-extrusion technology that is applied in the manufacturing of barrier films helps to get strong films which can stay a protective feature against oxygen, moisture and bacterial growth as well.

Usability of Barrier material with respect to thickness in layers

Barrier and high barrier films are found to be possess heat and moisture resistance properties. The thickness of barrier films is increased in terms of adding layers and the usability can be obtained in accordance with the packaging requirement and product compatibility.

Enhancing Adhesion and Stiffness

The number of layers is increased by the manufacturer in terms of 5, 7, and layer barrier films. The increase in union of layers consequently will enhance the thickness of the films. Co-extrusion is the perfect technology followed by blown film manufacturers to bring out possible thickness in blown films.

9 –Layer High Barrier film-The most advanced of all

9 layer co-extruded films is thick as well as easy to apply for packaging. The kind of ingredients that are applied in the film production such as nylon, EVOH, Pet, Mtallocene, PP and PE and other types of polymers offer the resistance property to the films. Hence, it is considered the most advanced of all.

Different types of Customization Requests Available for Barrier Films

Barrier films production differs as per the customization request that come from industries. Manufacturers on the other hand are able to capture suitability of layers in accordance with the type of products that need to be packed.

Food Industry and Barrier Films

When it comes to barrier films, food industry depends largely on high resistant materials. This is due to the fact that food products need to be protected well until it is consumed and to tackle damages and leakage during transit. As far as customized barrier film production is concerned, food industry requires high barrier films with different layers option for different food varieties.

More Stiffness for Processed Food Items

Processed food items like meat, fish, milk products, etc have to be preserved under low temperature. The stiffness of wrapping material remains an important feature to protect the processed food product from attracting bacterial growth.

Vishakha Polyfab –Pioneer in Flexible Packaging Films

Vishakha Polyfab is a leading manufacturer and supplier of flexible packaging film material. Our packaging film products range from 3,5,7 and 9 layer EVOH barrier films. We are the leading high barrier flexible film manufacturers in India offering quality packaging materials to different industries worldwide.

Why buy from us?

Flexible films and high barrier films manufactured by us are known for its quality, reliability, pricing and variety. We take up customized requests from clients all over the world and sustain with our promise for high quality packaging material produced under hygienic condition.

Conclusion

Barrier films are known for high resistance and durable properties. Vishakha Polyfab is one of the renowned companies that offer flexible films of wide varieties to several industries.

This article has been taken from Source - http://www.vishakhapolyfab.com/tackle-customization-in-the-making-of-barrier-films.html

Steps to Avoid Unhygienic Factors in Vacuum Pouch Packing

Inception of Vacuum Technology in Packaging

Vacuum technology has been in application of pumps and motors and in recent days packaging industry appears to make use of this technology to provide better shelf live for products. A vacuum pouch is one of the interesting technologies which are found to be very supportive in packing processed food under hygienic conditions.

Materials used to Manufacture Vacuum Pouch

Vacuum bags are made of high resistant barrier materials such as PA/EVOH, etc The thickness of the pouch are increased or decreased as per the customization requests from various industries. This product is available in different sizes and offers protection and moisture resistant properties to the products.

What Food Industry has to Share about Vacuum Bag Sealing?

Food products packed in vacuum bags are exposed to restricted environment which has less or no oxygen at all. Vacuum bag sealing is a perfect option for air tight packaging with very less chances of bacterial interaction provided the packaging process is carried on safely. Food engineering suggests that handling and packaging processes of food have to be maintained under hygienic circumstances. 

Regulations of Packaging in Vacuum Pouch for Packing Food Products

Food items that are processed under very low temperature to obtain extended shelf life are accountable to attract bacterial growth until the food is packed on the right time and consumed within the permissible time frame. This is the general restriction imposed on packaging aspect when it comes to using wrapping materials like vacuum bags.

Industries Benefits from Vacuum Packing

Food industry and pharmaceutical industry depend largely on vacuum pouch packing. Since, vacuum pouch packaging offers enhanced shelf life, exporting dry foods and processed meat is found to be carried out safely after packing them with this technology.

Unhygienic Factors Possibilities in Vacuum Pouch

Processed food items and dry fruits that are to be kept within the required temperature and the temperature that need to be maintained vary with respect to the kind of product. Failure to meet the temperature condition would attract multiplicity of bacterial growth even in spite of wrapping in vacuum bags.

Effects of Unhygienic Factors

Bacterial growth in packed food items usually are not visible unless it multiplies completely and emerge out in their form. Some food items on the other hand will not change in color or texture when there is less bacteria, hence; consumers should be cautious to judge the unhygienic factor through change in taste and flavor.

Steps to Avoid Unhygienic Factors

Vacuum bags are popularly known for oxygen free packing; hence, possibilities of bacterial growth are limited unless the packed food items are maintained in required temperature. Similarly, keeping the vacuum packed food products inside the fridge at coldest temperature will also help avoid unhygienic features to grow.

Vacuum Pouch Manufacturers in India

Amidst a strong competence in packaging industry, Vishakha Polyfab Industry offers quality vacuum bags and liners of different varieties such as inner bulk liner, bulk bags liner. Our packaging solutions are suitable for wide range of industries.

Conclusion

Vacuum pouches are meant to protect food products which can be kept free from oxygen and moisture. However, there are external factors that can contaminate the food products if they are not packed under hygienic circumstances.

This article has been taken from Source - http://www.vishakhapolyfab.com/avoid-unhygienic-factors-in-vacuum-pouch-packing.html