What are big bags made of?
In general, FIBCs for Modified Atmosphere are made of polypropylene, also known as polypropene. This is a thermoplastic polymer, which is made via chain-growth polymerization made from the combination of propylene monomers.
That doesn’t mean that all FIBCs are one-size-fits-all though. With liners and coating, but also with the make-up of specific bags, you can make sure that your MAP bag is a perfect fit for your product. Here’s which factors you should keep in mind.
Barrier properties
The most obvious factor to consider is the barrier properties. The packaging material should have good barrier properties to prevent the infiltration of oxygen, moisture, and other gases that can cause spoilage and discoloration of the food. This can be as simple as checking whether a powder will not leak through a bag, but one should also consider what can get in the bag.
Permeability
Permeability is the rate at which gases can pass through a material. When choosing the right packaging material you need to consider the particular product and the gas mixture that will be used. The packaging material should have the appropriate permeability to allow the desired gases to enter and exit the package, while also providing a barrier to prevent the influx of unwanted gases and microorganisms.
Compatibility
We all know how important compatibility is, even when choosing packaging materials.The packaging material should be compatible with the food product and the gases used in the MAP, as some packaging materials can react with the food or the gases, which can cause spoilage or discoloration.
Cost
Money matters, too. The packaging material should be cost-effective and readily available to ensure the feasibility of the MAP process. However, the safety of the product or workers coming in contact with the bags should never be compromised to make budget cuts in the selecting of materials.
Other factors
- Recyclability and sustainability
- Mechanical properties
- Food safety
- Certification
- Static electricity
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