One of the biggest worldwide issues is that of food safety. Billions of people across the planet have unique diets, allergies and environmental concerns, relying on companies and small businesses alike to provide high-quality products every time they go out shopping. With so many everyday hazards, it’s imperative your food processing company is up to the task with modern technology. Even a minor misstep can have deadly consequences, so investing in a proper pouch filling machine or food metal detector can do the dual work of saving money and saving lives. If you’ve found yourself worrying about the quality of your output or simply want to know more about what common risks consumers and businesses alike are facing today, look below to learn more about the food packaging equipment you should be using.
Reduce Waste And Help The Environment
Better equipment means better results for all parties involved. Plastic packaging, for instance, has gone through quite a few changes over the past few decades — packaging experts have estimated each pound of plastic packaging can reduce food waste by an impressive one and a half pounds. Just two pounds of plastic can deliver at least 1,300 ounces, or 10 gallons, of a beverage such as juice or soda. Compare this to other packaging materials, with aluminum requiring three pounds and steel requiring eight.
Appeal To Customers And Expand Your Influence
Reducing the amount of materials you use for basic tasks such as packaging and delivering has additional effects on not just the environment, but your client base. Studies have shown 52% of people all across the world will make purchasing decisions either partially or entirely due to packaging that shows a positive impact on the environment. Consider how industries have changed since the 1970’s, with the classic 2-liter plastic soft drink bottle going from weighing 68 grams to a mere 47 grams without losing quality. Overall, this small change has saved more than 180 million pounds of packaging decades later.
Locate Contaminants And Create Safer Food
One of the biggest food hazards is that of contaminants. Minor metals and minerals can find their way into food through the packaging and distribution process, putting everyday consumers at risk of poisoning or allergic reactions. A typical metal detector application with, for example, a wet or ‘conductive’ product can detect 2.5 to 3.5 mm of stainless steel. An x-ray food inspection machine, on the other hand, can detect 1.5 mm or less. A pouch filling machine can complete the process, creating food that’s clean, tasty and safe.
Tackle Bacteria And Avoid Foodborne Illness
Last, but certainly not least, we have bacteria. Every year one out of six Americans will come down with a foodborne illness (as many as 48 million people), with 128,000 having to visit the hospital for assistance and 3,000 dying. A pouch filling machine should be paired with a vacuum sealer to preserve food as long as possible — studies have shown vacuum sealers can extend the shelf life of a product three to five times longer than food stored in conventional plastic bags or containers. Cold temperatures, additionally, keep harmful bacteria from growing and multiplying.
Use Modern Technology To Keep Your Customers Healthy
Every little step helps with creating a healthier, cleaner world for both businesses and consumers. Food packaging equipment needs to analyze every single layer of the growing, packaging and distribution process — a pouch filling machine can streamline production, while an x-ray food inspection machine can pinpoint harmful metals. Analyzing temperature and packaging methods will also go a long way in reducing the influence of harmful bacteria. Keep your customers safe and bolster your available technology with the addition of a checkweigher or form fill seal machine.