Consumers always demand fresh, high-quality food that’s convenient and easily accessible.
However, ensuring food quality and safety from production to consumer’s table is a complex challenge.
That’s why tray sealers are revolutionizing the food preservation and packaging industries.
What Exactly is a Tray Sealer?
A tray sealer is a piece of equipment that uses heat and pressure to create an airtight seal between a tray (typically plastic or foil) and a plastic film lid.
This seemingly simple process has a profound impact on the shelf life, quality, and safety of a wide range of food products.
Tray sealers can apply plastic film lids to trays of varying sizes, materials, and depths. Also referred to as tray lidding machines, heat sealers, or top sealers, tray sealers are highly versatile
How Tray Sealers Work
The magic lies in the creation of a hermetic seal. The tray sealer heats the plastic film, causing it to soften and tightly adhere to the edges of the tray.
This creates an impenetrable barrier, preventing air, moisture, and contaminants from entering or escaping the package. Some models even incorporate a vacuum process to remove oxygen. As the film is being heat sealed, another part of the machine quickly cuts the film.
Benefits that Go Beyond Freshness
The benefits of using tray sealers extend far beyond simply keeping food fresh
- Extended Shelf Life: The airtight seal significantly extends the shelf life of food products by minimizing exposure to oxygen and other spoilage factors. Top seal film helps protect products from temperature changes that can cause food spoilage.
- Enhanced Product Quality: By preserving freshness, tray sealers help maintain the quality, texture, aroma, and visual appeal of food products throughout transportation and storage.
- Reduced Food Waste: By extending shelf life and preserving quality, tray sealers play a crucial role in reducing food waste, a significant environmental and economic concern.
- Efficient Packaging: Tray sealers enable efficient packaging, providing a practical and clean way to store and transport food.
- Customizable Packaging: Tray sealers allow for the creation of customized packaging to meet specific consumer needs and preferences. This can help differentiate products on store shelves and boost sales.
- Minimized Contamination Risk: The airtight seal created by tray sealers prevents food from coming into contact with foreign matter or microorganisms, enhancing food safety.
Modified Atmosphere Packaging
Many tray sealers offer Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) capabilities, further enhancing food preservation. MAP involves modifying the atmosphere inside the tray package, typically by injecting an inert gas like nitrogen and withdrawing oxygen. This process slows down the spoilage process and extends shelf life even further.
The use of MAP can significantly extend the shelf life of food, and in conjunction with a cup sealing machine, MAP packaging inhibits the growth of spoilage-causing organisms and delays enzymatic reactions
Sustainable Solutions: Reducing Environmental Impact
As sustainability becomes increasingly important, the packaging industry is innovating to reduce its environmental impact. Some tray sealers are now compatible with sustainable materials like biodegradable plastics, compostable films, and recycled paper. Innovative solutions like PaperSeal® replace plastic trays with barrier-lined cardboard, reducing plastic content by up to 80%.
Final Thoughts
Tray sealers are no longer just a packaging solution; they are a vital investment for businesses committed to providing fresh, high-quality food while minimizing waste and maximizing efficiency. As the demand for fresh and convenient food continues to grow, tray sealers will play an increasingly important role in satisfying consumer demands and ensuring retail success.
Whether you are a small catering company or a large food manufacturer, integrating a tray sealing machine into your packaging process can significantly improve your product quality, reduce waste, and enhance your brand image. It’s time to embrace the power of tray sealers and unlock a new era of food preservation.
