Have you ever wondered why some ready meals stay fresher for longer than others?
Manufacturers can produce almost identical meals using similar ingredients and recipes, yet one product may have a significantly longer shelf life.
The difference often isn't the food itself.
It's the packaging and sealing equipment.
At PREPAC, we understand that longer shelf life starts with choosing the right combination of tray, lidding film, sealing technology, and packaging method.
1. The Tray Makes a Difference
Not all trays perform the same way.
The right tray needs to:
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Maintain its shape during sealing
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Withstand temperature changes
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Work with the chosen lidding film
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Support the required barrier performance
2. A Reliable Seal
A strong, consistent seal is the foundation of good food packaging.
Even the highest-quality tray and lidding film can't perform properly if the seal is inconsistent. Tiny leaks can allow oxygen into the pack, affecting freshness, appearance, and shelf life.
This is where choosing the right tray sealing machine makes all the difference.
Meet the PREPAC P480
(Insert the P480 brochure image here.)
The PREPAC P480 Semi-Automatic Tray Sealing Machine is designed to help food manufacturers package products with confidence.
With the ability to perform:
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Top Seal
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Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP)
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Vacuum Skin Packaging (VSP)
the P480 offers the flexibility to package a wide variety of food products while helping maintain freshness, presentation, and product quality.
Ideal for:
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Ready meals
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Fresh meat
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Poultry
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Seafood
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Fresh fruit or vegetables
Its compact footprint also makes it a practical solution for businesses looking to improve packaging performance without sacrificing valuable production space.
Two sealing types in one Machine
|
Feature |
Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) |
Vacuum Skin Packaging |
|
How it works |
Replaces the air inside the package with a controlled ‘food safe’ gas mixture. |
Vacuums the air out as it pulled the film down over the product and seals tightly. |
|
Main benefit |
Extends shelf life with the food safe gas mix. Keeps the product looking a similar to how is portioned / cooked. |
Extends shelf life without the need for the gas mix. Assists with keeping the product still for retail presentation. |
|
Best suited for |
Ready meals, poultry, fresh meat, seafood, produce. |
Premium meat cuts, seafood, high-value protein products. |
Packaging is a System, Not just a Single Product
A machine alone can't extend shelf life.
The best results come when every component works together:
✔ A high-quality tray
✔ The right barrier lidding film
✔ Consistent strong sealing
✔ Proper cold-chain management
When all these elements are combined, businesses can better protect their products from production to the consumer.
3. Don't Forget the Cold Chain
All your hard work can be un-done with a simple mistake in transit...!
If chilled products aren't stored and transported at the correct temperatures, shelf-life will be affected.
Successful food packaging depends on both the right packaging system and proper temperature control throughout the supply chain.
PREPAC's Complete Packaging Solution
At PREPAC, we create an end-to-end solution for our clients to ensure their sealing equipment is exactly what they need to streamline production along with giving them the perfect tray and film combination to fit their specific needs. With PREPAC, you can confident the right solution is there waiting for you. That's fresh thinking.
