Meat Packaging

Meat, poultry, and fish require packaging that protects against contamination and deterioration while maintaining freshness, taste, appearance, and texture. Point Five Packaging combines high-quality materials with advanced packaging technologies to provide solutions for a wide range of fresh, frozen, and ready-to-heat protein applications.

Two of the most effective technologies for these products are Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) and Vacuum Skin Packaging (VSP).

Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) replaces oxygen inside the package with a controlled mixture of gases such as nitrogen and carbon dioxide. By creating an environment less hospitable to microorganisms, MAP can extend product shelf life without altering its taste, smell, or appearance. The product is then hermetically sealed to maintain the modified atmosphere and protect it from outside contaminants.

Vacuum Skin Packaging (VSP) removes air from the package before sealing the product between a rigid tray or board and a transparent protective film. This minimizes oxidation and microbial growth while keeping the product securely in place during storage and transportation. The clear film also provides excellent product visibility for retail presentation.

Combined with appropriate refrigeration, freezing, heat sterilization, or dehydration processes, MAP and VSP can significantly improve the shelf life and protection of meat, poultry, and fish products.

Available packaging materials include:

• CPET: Ovenable, microwavable, and freezable trays and containers suitable for meat and ready-meal applications. CPET can be combined with MAP sealing to help extend freshness.
• Polypropylene (PP): Versatile containers for meat, seafood, and heat-and-eat meals that can withstand deep freezing and microwave reheating.
• PETE: Packaging available in a variety of formats for refrigerated products and compatible with MAP applications.
• Flat VSP Paperboards: Commonly used for fresh meat and seafood with VSP technology, providing strong product presentation and visibility.
• Aluminum: Durable packaging for ready meals and other applications requiring freezing and reheating capabilities.
• Films: Seal-only, MAP, and VSP lidding films, forming and non-forming films, bags, and pouches. Options are available with different barrier properties and features such as fog resistance.

Point Five Packaging specializes in equipment for tray sealing, MAP, and VSP applications. Packaging automation can increase production speed and consistency while helping protect products against contamination, spoilage, and degradation.

Tray Sealers
Tray sealers apply plastic lidding film to products packaged in trays or cups, creating a hermetic seal. They work with both MAP and VSP technologies and are well suited for fresh, frozen, and ready-made foods. Automated tray sealing can also support significantly higher production volumes than manual packaging.

Vacuum Chambers
Vacuum chambers remove air from packaging before sealing to preserve meat products and improve shelf life. Vacuum packaging also helps protect products from contamination during storage and distribution and provides a cost-effective solution for many B2B applications.

Sleeve Systems
Automated sleeve systems eliminate the time-consuming process of manually applying sleeves to packaged products. They can process higher volumes with greater consistency and accuracy and can be integrated directly with tray sealing equipment.

Additional equipment, including label applicators and date/lot coding systems, can be incorporated into the packaging line to further automate production.

By combining MAP and VSP technology with high-quality materials and automated packaging equipment, Point Five Packaging provides solutions designed to maintain freshness, protect products during storage and transportation, and create an appealing presentation for consumers.