About Vacuum Packing and Machine Selection

In the development and production of all foods, they are added a value for the customer and the user, which must be kept intact until the customer can use them. This is done with the right packaging, and most often with either a vacuum or a MAP (Modified Atmosphere Gasket) or a combination.

The choice of the right vacuum machine for the specific product is clarified by our consultants in dialogue with our customers, so that all factors regarding the specific packaging need are identified based on size, quantity, packing speed, type of bag material, requirements for validability or labeling, etc.

For packing softer goods such as fish or vegetables, a soft air vacuum will protect the product from being crushed and thus losing value. This is done by choosing machines where the pressure can be selected in different programs. For the longer shelf life, a MAP solution is often chosen, where, for example, the gas nitrogen is pumped in between several vacuums, so that the remaining air that will be left in the bag will be with minimal oxygen content, thus delaying the natural degradation processes. For packing meat, the shelf life can be extended and the colour can be maintained by increasing the oxygen content to a very high proportion of the remaining air in the bag, around 70 – 80%.

To get a fine packing, where the excess part of the bag shrinks, as is known from, for example, vacuum-packed lamb legs, we also offer Dip tanks, which are placed after the vacuum machine in the production line, where the finished bags are dipped in after vacuuming and welding. This solution provides a more presentable product to the end customer.

For the life science industry, we have specially developed vacuum machines that are validable.

Vacuuming can be done with a Vacuum Sealer, which can provide a vacuum pressure of approx. 70%, or with Vacuum Boxes, which can vacuum by up to 99.98%. Both types are available with gas connection modified atmosphere gasket.

The boxes are available in many sizes and designs, from compact table models, large floor models, double chamber boxes. See the underlying pages or contact our consultants for advice on the right model.

Vacuuming can also be a good solution for a safe and strong packaging of industrial parts and components, where MAP can be used to protect against corrosion and the classic lubrication in oil and subsequent cleaning can be avoided, to minimize time for work processes and replace environmentally harmful oils and cleaning fluids. With vacuuming, the workpiece and components will also be able to be packed more compactly, as there will be no damage to a surface protected in a heavy-duty vacuum bag.

Vacuum packaging is also used for professional and safe packing of sterilized clothing for cleanrooms, and of functional clothing such as fire suits and safety clothing, where there is a requirement that they take up minimal space in a clean and clear state, and so that it is ensured and visually identifiable that it is not contaminated.

For safe vacuuming, either airtight laminates or PA/PE bags are used, which Genpack also advises on and distributes.

Characteristics of Types of Vacuum Packaging Machines

Vacuum Sealer

• Medium vacuum level achievable (up to 70%)
• Faster cycle time - only the package is sucked
• Bag size up to 1310 mm max bag width
• 5 mm sealing standard
• Double-sided heating (bi-active) standard
• External air supply required
• Using a Venturi (dry) pump

Vacuum Chamber / Vacuum Box

• High vacuum level achievable 99.98%
• Longer cycle time - the entire chamber is sucked
• Soft air vacuuming option for soft products
• Bag size limited by chamber dimensions
• 3.5mm double standard seal
• Double-sided heating (bi-active) optional
• No external air supply required
• Using a Busch or Becker (oil) pump

See more about the individual types and models by clicking on the different types at the top of the page, or contact our consultants at Sales@genpack.com or Tel.: +45 44 48 62 00 for advice on which vacuum packaging machine is better suited to your specific needs and requirements.