Plastics : High-Performance Plastic Packaging Guide

High-performance plastic packaging:

• High-performance plastic packaging is specialized packaging material designed to provide superior protection for food products, especially meat and dairy items. 
• It is an advanced shield that keeps food fresh longer by blocking harmful elements while maintaining the package's strength and shape under various conditions.

Key features:

High gas and flavor barrier:

• The packaging material acts like an invisible wall that prevents gases (like oxygen) from getting in and flavors from escaping.

Why it matters:

• Oxygen causes meat to spoil and turn brown
• Carbon dioxide and other gases can make dairy products go bad
• Food flavors and aromas stay locked inside the package
• External odors can't contaminate the food

Example: 

• A vacuum-sealed steak stays red and fresh for weeks because oxygen can't reach it through the barrier.

Superior mechanical performance:

• The packaging is exceptionally strong and durable, resisting tears, punctures, and damage during handling.

Why it matters:

• Packages won't break during shipping and handling
• Sharp bones in meat won't puncture through
• The packaging maintains its shape even when squeezed or dropped
• Reduces waste from damaged packages

Example: 

• Ground beef packages that don't leak even when stacked heavy in grocery store displays.

Thermal resistance:

• The packaging can withstand both hot and cold temperatures without losing its protective properties or shape.

Why it matters:

• Works in freezers (as low as -40°F) without becoming brittle
• Survives hot processing temperatures during manufacturing
• Maintains barrier properties across temperature ranges
• Doesn't warp or shrink in different storage conditions

Example: 

• Frozen chicken packages that remain flexible and intact even in deep freeze conditions.

Thermoformability:

• The packaging material can be heated and molded into specific shapes, like trays or cups, while maintaining all its protective properties.

Why it matters:

• Creates custom-fit packages for different product shapes
• Allows for attractive presentation (like clear deli trays)
• Enables efficient automated packaging processes
• Reduces material waste through precise forming

Example: 

• Those clear plastic trays that perfectly fit rotisserie chickens or deli meats.

Applications in meat and dairy products:

Fresh meat packaging:

• Vacuum-sealed steaks and roasts
• Modified atmosphere packaging for ground meat
• Thermoformed trays for chicken parts
• Barrier films for processed meats like bacon

Benefits:

• Extended shelf life (days to weeks longer)
• Maintains natural color and texture
• Prevents freezer burn
• Reduces bacterial growth

Freezer burn happens when frozen food loses moisture and gets exposed to air inside the freezer, resulting in dry, discolored patches on food and usually grayish-white spots on meat or ice crystals on vegetables.

Dairy products:

• Cheese packaging (blocks, slices, shredded)
• Yogurt cups and containers
• Milk and cream cartons (as barrier layers)
• Butter and margarine wraps

Benefits:

• Prevents spoilage from air exposure
• Maintains fresh taste and aroma
• Blocks light that can affect milk products
• Provides structural support for soft cheeses

A complete system (all features):

• Gas barrier keeps the food chemistry stable
• Mechanical strength protects during transport and storage
• Thermal resistance maintains performance across the cold chain
• Thermoformability allows for optimal package design

High-performance plastic packaging is a strong, invisible shield around your food. 

It keeps the good stuff in (flavor, freshness, nutrients) and the bad stuff out (oxygen, bacteria, odors). 

It's tough enough to handle rough treatment, works in hot and cold conditions, and can be shaped into any form needed. 

This makes your meat and dairy products last longer and taste better.