Shrimp is one of the most important and popular seafood items, rich in selenium, omega-3, and protein. In recent years, it has gained significant attention for its potential to reduce cholesterol. Given its nutritional value, preserving and preventing reducing its quality is of utmost importance. One method to maintain the freshness and quality of shrimp is through packaging.
West Asia Steel Company is one of the manufacturers of shrimp packaging machines, manufacturing various types of machines. In this article, we introduce the production of these machines by this company. Stay with us for more details.
Packaging of Seafood
Packaging of seafood Packaging of seafood is one of the most important elements in the supply chain of this industry. Common packaging of seafood includes skin pack, cardboard, flexible bags, and metal cans. Depending on the type of seafood product (fish, shrimp, shellfish, tuna, etc.) and whether it is fresh or frozen, various types of packaging are used.
Appropriate and Standard Packaging for Shrimp
Proper and standard packaging for shrimp is crucial for preserving its quality and freshness. The use of appropriate raw materials and new technologies to meet packaging standards is essential.
Shrimp packaging should prevent product damage during transportation and storage and increase its shelf life.
Various materials are used for packaging shrimp, including polyethylene, polypropylene, cardboard, metal cans, and more.
Since shrimp can be stored in the freezer for an extended period, having suitable and moisture-resistant packaging that preserves the quality of the shrimp inside is crucial.
Standard Packaging Characteristics of Shrimp
Standard packaging for shrimp should have the following features:
- High resistance to moisture.
- The structure should be firm and resistant to impact.
- It should prevent water from entering the package.
- Suitable for quick thawing.
- 100% recyclable.
- It should be cost-effective.
- It should have an attractive appearance to attract customer attention.
- It should be adjustable and customizable according to consumer needs.
It should have sustainable and environmentally friendly packaging. Sustainable packaging, such as fully recyclable cardboard, renewable materials, and wooden materials, help to reduce the use of plastic and address environmental concerns.
Types of Shrimp Packaging
Shrimp is packaged using various methods, which we will now explain:
Skin Pack Packaging
Sking pack packaging is a type of packaging on a cardboard piece used for packaging seafood such as fish fillets or shrimp. A thin layer of transparent plastic is placed on the seafood, and the film conforms tightly to the shape of the fish fillet or shrimp.
For sealing the plastic film, a heat-sealing cover is used. Heat softens the plastic used (such as LDPE, ionomer, PVC, etc.) and places it onto the product. Generally, the skin pack packaging utilizes the vacuum sealing method to attach the plastic film with the heat-sealing cover to the cardboard.
Blister packs have a similar appearance and texture to skin pack packaging. The plastic that covers the product in skin packs first takes the desired shape and form. Therefore, there is a noticeable distinction between these two forms of packaging.
Adjustable Pouches
Adjustable pouches, also known as flexible pouches (sometimes called stand-up pouches), are pouches with resealable capabilities. These pouches are made from various materials such as foil, different types of plastics, and sometimes paper. They are used for packaging frozen seafood (shrimp, crab, scallops, fish, etc.), snacks, coffee, grains, liquids, industrial powders, and more.
Flexible pouches currently have many fans because many of them are resealable, environmentally friendly, and cheaper than other disposable packaging materials.
Additionally, the fact that flexible pouches have a lower carbon footprint compared to rigid packaging further contributes to their widespread use. Moreover, these pouches occupy less space in landfill sites compared to many other types of conventional packaging.
Polypropylene (PP) Strapping Tape
Polypropylene (PP) strapping tape is one of the most common types of strapping tapes in the market. These tapes come in various widths, tensile strengths, and core diameters. The width, strength, and core size that are optimal for your packaging needs are determined based on your specific objectives.
This strapping material can be applied manually using a tensioner (also known as a manual strapping tool) or semi-automatically using strapping technology.
Packaging items and palletizing food containers, especially various types of frozen seafood, are two of the most common uses for polypropylene strapping, which can be readily available from polypropylene film manufacturers at cost-effective rates.
Individual Quick Freezing (IQF)
Individual Quick Freezing (IQF) is a type of packaging method that involves freezing small portions of food separately before packaging. The advantage of this packaging method compared to other freezing methods for producing frozen foodstuff is that much less time is required for freezing the product.
The distance you've passed may vary. The type of freezing technology you've used and the product you're packaging determine the exact freezing time.
In this method, the formation of larger ice crystals within the complete cells of the product is prevented. Large ice crystals, at a molecular level, disrupt the cell membranes.
In comparison to other freezing methods, the individual quick freezing (IQF) method preserves the shape, color, odor, and taste of foodstuff after thawing.
Cans
Canning has been a long-standing tradition in the fish industry. After processing, various seafood such as crab, trout, tuna, shellfish, herring and other seafood items are canned.
Canning is a process where a metal can (usually made of tin) is sealed with a metal lid and then heated for preventing to send out the air. This method preserves the food inside the can.
Commercially canned seafood, such as canned tuna, may be stored and exported for up to five years after canning. Canned goods have a long shelf life, but they are relatively more expensive compared to other packaging methods.
Materials Used in Shrimp Packaging
Materials used in shrimp packaging include:
- Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) film typically used to cover the primary carton.
- High-molecular-weight polyethylene (HM-HDPE) film can also be used instead of LDPE film. This material is cost-effective but not transparent.
- Single-layer LDPE or linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) film.
- Two-layer film, LDPE or LLDPE co-extrusion.
- LLDPE co-extrusion, B polyamide, B-LLDPE.
- Five-layer film.
- Polyester / LDPE sheet.
- Polystyrene (EPS) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic trays.
- Tin cans made of tin.
- Polypropylene straps.
Packaging methods of shrimp
Shrimp can be packaged using two methods: modified atmosphere packaging and vacuum packaging, which I'll explain below:
Modified Atmosphere Packaging
In the modified atmosphere packaging method, the atmosphere inside the packaging is altered or modified to create an optimal environment for extending the shelf life and preserving the quality of foodstuff. Modified atmosphere packaging is a highly effective technique for delaying microbial spoilage and oxidative rancidity in seafood products. To prevent rancidity, oxygen should not be used for packaging oily seafood products. The use of carbon dioxide is essential to inhibit common aerobic spoilage bacteria, such as Pseudomonas species (in free air), Acinetobacter, and Moraxella.
The spoilage of shrimp is primarily caused by microorganisms. Its inherent enzymatic action leads to discoloration of the shrimp. Modified atmosphere packaging can keep shrimp fresh. Modified atmosphere packaging is done with a gas mixture of 40% carbon dioxide and 60% nitrogen. The shelf life of this packaging is 22 days longer than non-modified atmosphere packaging samples.
Vacuum Packaging
Vacuum packaging is an ideal method for preserving various foodstuff, and most importantly, for fresh foods such as meat, fish, or shrimp. During the vacuum process, oxygen surrounding the foodstuff is sent out to delay the natural oxidation process and preserve the organoleptic properties (visual characteristics) of the product for a longer period. This is crucial for meat or seafood as these food items require specific hygiene and safety conditions. The benefits of vacuum packaging for shrimp include the following:
- Longer Shelf Life: With vacuum packaging for shrimp, no oxygen can reach it. Thus, the product remains fresh for a longer period and has an extended shelf life.
- Improved Safety and Food Quality: This method helps preserve the color, taste, and texture of shrimp for a longer period. Additionally, vacuum packaging provides a professional and hygienic appearance to foodstuff.
- Optimized Storage and Transportation: Foodstuff in vacuum packaging do not transfer odor or taste to other food items. There is no chance of cross-contamination, so you can store different products together. Moreover, vacuum-sealed foodstuff require less storage space, allowing for bulk storage. Also, with one transport, you can move a larger quantity of your qualified products.
Different Types of Shrimp Packaging Machines
One of the manufacturers of shrimp packaging machines is West Asia Steel Company, which is engaged in the manufacturing of various machines. Below, we introduce the production machines of this company:
Automatic Tray Sealer Packaging Machine
Shrimp packaging methods include seal vacuum and modified atmosphere packaging. An automatic tray sealer packaging machine is used for packaging shrimp and seafood products to increase their shelf life and freshness. During packaging using the automatic tray sealer machine, shrimp are first placed manually or automatically into trays. Then, the trays are moved towards the machine using a conveyor, and the packaging process is performed using one of the mentioned methods. Finally, the film is sealed onto the tray, and they are directed towards the labeling section.
Semi-Automatic Tray Sealer Packaging Machine
Another machine used for shrimp packaging is the semi-automatic tray sealer machine, which operates similarly to the previous method, with only some stages being performed manually by an operator.
Vacuum Chamber Packaging Machine
The vacuum chamber packaging machine is another machine used for packaging shrimp in plastic trays. During packaging with this machine, the shrimps are manually placed inside the trays, and after adjusting the settings of the machine and turning it on, packaging is done using the modified atmosphere packaging or seal vacuum method. This machine is used for low-capacity production due to its slower operation speed.
Thermoforming Packaging Machine
Another machine used for packaging shrimp is the thermoforming packaging machine. This machine has the capability to create trays using flexible and rigid films. After forming the plastic trays, the products are placed inside by filling machines, and then the vacuum process is carried out. Upon completing the packaging, labeling and tagging operations are conducted, and the packaged products are gathered for carton packaging on traffic tables.
Manual Sealing Machine
The manual sealing machine is a machine used for packaging foodstuff and various products in small capacities. The operation of this machine is entirely carried out by the operator and is used for workshop purposes, small shops, household uses, and so on. During the packaging process, the operator places the products inside trays or plastic pouches. Then, the machine is used to perform the sealing process.
Price of Shrimp Packaging Machine
One of the important factors when buying and selecting shrimp packaging machines is the price of the machine. The price of the machine varies depending on various factors, and a fixed price cannot be determined for it. Factors influencing the price of the machine include:
- The volume and speed of machine production.
- Packaging method (vacuum, modified atmosphere packaging).
- Gases used in modified atmosphere packaging.
- Peripheral equipment and desired additional options by the customer.
- Machine size
- Packaging tray size
- Automatic, semi-automatic, or manual operation of the machine
- Material and body used in the construction of the machine
- After-sales services provided by the company
- Training sessions to explain how to use the machine
- Costs associated with installation and setup of the machine
Choosing the Best Shrimp Packaging Machine
Before selecting a shrimp packaging machine, you should first determine the needs of your company. Then, research different machines, find a reputable company, and take advantage of their consulting services. Factors to consider when purchasing a shrimp packaging machine include:
- Company budget
- Production capacity
- Speed and accuracy of production
- Packaging method
- Required auxiliary equipment
- Preservation requirements
As mentioned, one of the active companies in the field of shrimp packaging machine production is West Asia Steel Company. This reputable company has been dedicated to manufacturing and servicing packaging machines for years. Therefore, if you intend to launch a shrimp packaging production line, feel free to contact us and take advantage of our company's services.
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