Cream is one of the most popular dairy products in our country. This nutritious product helps strengthen the brain and nerves, relieve constipation, and alleviate larynx ailments. However, due to its high fat content, its storage is of great importance, as this product is sensitive to oxidation because of its high fat content. One of the methods of preserving and increasing the shelf life of cream is its packaging.
West Asia Steel Company is one of the manufacturers of cream packaging machines. In this article, we will examine the packaging method of cream and the application of packaging machines.
The process of producing cream
The process of producing cream is based on the surface activity of heated milk, where upon heating and pouring milk into shallow open trays, a layer of fat forms on the surface.
After heating the milk and slowly cooling it, a layer forms on the surface of the milk. The process of forming this fat layer on the surface of the milk has a close relationship with the physical properties of some milk components, especially fats and proteins. During the heating of milk, partial denaturation (loss of three-dimensional structure) of milk proteins occurs, followed by other milk components, primarily milk fat, beginning to accumulate. Milk fat molecules tend to cluster together. Larger molecules than milk fat are the first molecules to overcome the viscosity of milk and move towards the surface. These molecules encounter smaller molecules along their way and are classified as agglomerates and separated on the surface of the milk. Milk fat, as the lightest substance in milk, places on the surface of the milk.
The speed of separating cream depends on various factors and the most important of which are the temperature of the milk, humidity, air temperature, and the temperature difference between the milk and the air.
The amount of separated cream formed has a direct relationship with the fat content of the milk and the surface area of the milk, while it has an inverse relationship with the height of the milk tray, the rate of temperature drop, and the thermal conductivity of the tray in which the milk is placed.
Traditional packaging of cream involved pouring it into wooden trays for storage. However, nowadays, modern packaging materials and various packaging methods are used to increase the shelf life of cream.
Appropriate packaging should focus on preserving the quality, standard weight, and hygienic conditions of storing cream.
Packaged cream is stored at temperatures between 4+ to 8+ degrees centigrade. If cream is stored at higher temperatures, its acidity increases.
Cream is sensitive to microbial contamination and highly susceptible to oxidation due to its high fat content. The maximum shelf life of cream, specially traditional types, is 4 to 7 days while maintaining suitable quality properties.
Considering that cream is mainly produced traditionally, microbial contamination of the product seems logical, but nowadays, large dairy companies produce this product industrially and modernly. Various studies have reported microbial contamination of cream with mesophilic aerobic bacteria, coliforms, Salmonella, Shigella, Staphylococci, yeast, and mold. Escherichia coli has also been identified in some samples. Microbial contamination of cream can be improved using modern techniques and equipment.
Characteristics of cream packaging materials
Characteristics of cream packaging materials include the following:
- Prevention of light transmission
- Prevention of physical damage
- Prevention of oxygen transmission
- Resistance to microbial contamination
In the early 20th century, wax-coated cardboard boxes were used as containers for cream.
Today, packaging materials used for cream include polyethylene, polystyrene, or polypropylene packages.
Packaging cream using Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP)
Today, customers show a high sensitivity to additives, especially preservatives. Therefore, new methods of food preservation have replaced traditional ones to prevent freshness loss and maintain product quality, such as Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP). MAP uses suitable gases in packaging to enhance the quality and shelf life of the product and reduces the use of preservatives.
The main mechanisms of spoilage affecting dairy products are microbial growth and oxidative spoilage. The type of spoilage affecting dairy products depends on the inherent characteristics of different products.
The growth of microbes, proteolysis, lipolysis, and the resulting sourness are considered the first signs of spoilage in dairy products. Products with high water activity, such as cream, are affected by the growth of various yeasts.
For example, low-water products generally spoil with mold growth, while products with higher water activity like creams are susceptible to yeast, bacterial spoilage, and oxidation. In low-fat food products with high water content, preventing microbial growth is crucial, whereas in high-fat food products with low water content, preventing oxidation processes is of great importance.
Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) can significantly increase the shelf life of dairy products.
The relationship between different percentages of carbon dioxide, oxygen, and nitrogen gases in textural and sensory properties of soft, firm, cream is an important factor. The aim of packaging is to delay spoilage, preserve the positive effects of processing on food, increasing shelf life, and maintaining food quality. The gas atmosphere composition is selected based on the properties of the gas, its reaction with the food substance, and the type of product. The MAP method involves packaging a food product in modified atmosphere space by controlling vacuum, gas pressure, or controlled permeability, thereby controlling chemical, enzymatic, and microbial activities to prevent or reduce potential hazards.
The operation of carbon dioxide gas involves its rapid dissolution in water, the production of the corresponding acid, and its effect on microbial membranes, especially gram-negative types like Pseudomonas, causing disruption in the transport of food substances across membranes. Additionally, it is beneficial for promoting the growth of lactic acid bacteria.
On one hand, the use of carbon dioxide for packaging products such as cream causes it to become acidic and sour. As a result, nitrogen gas is used with a lower percentage of carbon dioxide for packaging cream. By eliminating air, nitrogen is able to inhibit aerobic microbial growth and oxidative souring. Aerosol products use nitrogen oxide as a propellant, which also prevents oxidative souring.
Nitrogen is an inseparable component of food packaging. When nitrogen is used in dairy packaging, it can significantly extend its shelf life. Modified atmosphere packaging relies on nitrogen as the primary gas for preserving products without causing noticeable changes in the product.
Nitrogen is used due to its non-reactive properties and inertness, which resist microbial growth while maintaining nutritional quality. It is a dry gas that helps prevent moisture and maintains excellent conformity. Since nitrogen has a heavier molecular weight than oxygen, it easily replaces oxygen. The use of this inert gas in packaging prevents the following:
- Color change in the product.
- Change in product texture.
- Alteration in taste and odor of the product.
Different types of cream packaging machines include:
West Asia Steel Company is one of the manufacturers of cream packaging machines. The machines manufactured by this company include the following:
Automatic Tray Sealer Packaging Machine
The automatic tray sealer packaging machine is one of the machines used for cream packaging. This machine handles the packaging of products completely automatic and with high accuracy and speed. The packaging process in this machine is as follows:
- Initially, the trays are loaded on the machine either automatically or manually.
- Then, the cream is poured into the trays using automatic fillers or manually.
- Once filled, the trays are guided towards the mold using a conveyor, and the vacuum or modified atmosphere packaging process takes place.
- After complete packaging, the trays are directed towards the jet printer, and the packaging process is completed.
Semi-Automatic Tray Sealer Packaging Machine
Another machine used for cream packaging is the semi-automatic tray sealer packaging machine. In this machine, a part of the process is carried out manually by the operator. The packaging method using the semi-automatic tray sealer machine is similar to that of the automatic tray sealer machine, with the only difference being the manual rotation of the packaging table by the operator.
Thermoforming Packaging Machine
One of the packaging machines manufactured by Steel West Asia Company is the thermoforming packaging machine. During this process, the machine forms trays using flexible or rigid films. Then, the cream is poured into the trays using automatic fillers or manually, and the packaging process is carried out using vacuum or modified atmosphere packaging methods.
Manual Sealing Machine for cream Packaging
The manual sealing machine packages cream into plastic trays in small capacities suitable for home or store use. With this machine, cream is packaged into plastic trays manually first. Then, the tray is placed on the machine, and the plastic film is placed on the tray by the operator to seal it. Using the manual sealing machine, cream can be packaged with printed films featuring custom brands and logos.
All the mentioned packaging machines are used for packaging various products including:
- Dried fruits, nuts, and dates.
- Ready-to-eat meals.
- Pickles and preserved vegetables.
- Various meat and protein products.
- Vegetables, fruits, and greens.
- Dairy products.
- Medical devices.
Buying the best cream packaging machine
Before choosing a cream packaging machine, you should first determine the needs of your company. Then, study different machines, find a reputable company, and take advantage of their consulting services. Factors to consider when purchasing a cream packaging machine include:
Price of the Machine: One of the main and important factors to consider when purchasing a packaging machine is its price. The price of the machine is influenced by various factors such as production volume and speed, auxiliary equipment used, type of packaging method, dimensions, and height of trays, etc. Therefore, before choosing a machine, you should identify these factors and then look for a product that is suitable for your company's budget.
Company Budget: Another important factor to consider when choosing a machine is the budget allocated for purchasing the machine. Consult with experts from Steel West Asia Company for the purchase of the best machine that fits within your company's budget. They will recommend the best and most suitable machine for you. In some cases, eliminating auxiliary equipment leads to the purchase of a machine by higher quality. Therefore, be sure to seek guidance from specialized individuals before selecting a machine.
Production Volume: Another factor to consider when purchasing a machine is the production volume of the company. Typically, large machines are used for high production volumes.
Production Speed and Accuracy: When selecting a machine, consider the desired production speed and accuracy of the company. For high-speed and accurate production, you will need automatic and semi-automatic machines. However, for home production or packaging in small workshops or stores, manual sealing machines will be sufficient.
Product Packaging Method: The packaging method of the product has a significant impact on the type of machine and auxiliary equipment used. Packaging for some products is done only through modified atmosphere packaging. Packaging with modified atmosphere requires specific equipment. Therefore, before ordering a machine, search the type of packaging method required.
Auxiliary Equipment Needed: Auxiliary equipment is also one of the most important factors to consider when ordering a machine. In some cases, companies may order equipment that does not have much efficiency during the packaging process, or the absence of which does not affect the production speed.Top of Form
- Shelf Life Requirements: Another important factor to consider before purchasing a packaging machine is to pay attention to the shelf life of the products. Some products require a longer shelf life, while others need to be kept fresher for a longer period. Therefore, considering the shelf life of the product before purchasing the machine helps in selecting the best machine.
As mentioned, one of the active companies in the field of cream packaging machine production is West Asia Steel Company. This reputable company has been engaged in manufacturing and servicing packaging machines for many years. Therefore, if you intend to launch a cream packaging production line, feel free to contact us and take advantage of our company's services.
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