How does a thermoformer/rollstock function when packing your meat products?
The basic purpose of packaging is to protect meat and meat products from the secondary contamination by dirt, micro-organisms, parasites, toxic substances and prevent from influences affecting colour, smell and taste and loss or uptake of moisture. Thermoformers nowdays are widely used in meat processing factories. They are packaging machines that start with a film for packaging film form the packages for foods. It is effectively another version of horizontal “form, fill and seal”. Once again manufacturers are saving themselves pack conversion costs as the machine does this process in line.The packages are then sealed with vacuum, map or skin. Perfect for packaging fresh and processed meat, cheeses, fresh pasta, sandwiches, fish, bread and bakery products. For specific products such as sliced meats, a thermoformer/rollstock can be employed. A bottom film is moulded according to the shape of the sliced meats by using heat and force (by compressed air or mechanical) (Fig.