This means that packaging is important when it comes to the preservation of fresh cut meat products. Here are the key types of packaging materials used:
Vacuum-Sealed Bags
- Objective: Increase product shelf and maintain product freshness.
Materials:
- Polyethylene (PE): Which is generally utilized for its strength and versatility. PE can be used for vacuum-sealed bags; which help to avoid contact of oxygen and moisture with the meat.
- Multi-Layer Laminates: alloy with a proportion of PET, aluminum foil, and PE in order to improve the barrier resistance of packaging materials and increase shelf life.
Modified Atmospheric Packaging (MAP).
- Objective: Softening of food products minimizes their period of stay in shops hence decreasing incidences of food spoilage.
Materials:
- Barrier Films: Employ films that influence the rate of gases exchanged inside the package to support, slow rate of spoiling and maintain a high quality.
- Gas Mixtures: Use gases such as nitrogen or carbonization to help maintain the freshness of new and fresh meat products.
Trays and Containers
- Objective: Offer an easy use and secure way of displaying products in point-of-sales outlets.
Materials:
- Plastic Trays: Available in PET or HDPE, offering protection, rigidity, and vertical nesting.
- Foam Trays: Lightweight and cheaper than other materials, commonly used for single portion or small portion packs.
