UK-based packaging equipment and services provider ULMA Packaging has developed new TFS Thermoformers, which the company claims to be the most hygienic in the market.
These thermoformers are designed to fit around products like their second skin to extend their shelf life.
The product is best suited for ready meals, fresh meat, processed meat, fish, poultry, cheese and pates.
The company also claims that owing to its innovative design, food manufacturers are provided easy access for deep cleaning which helps them to meet the food industry's regulatory standards.
The thermoformers also provides advantages like moisture retention, the ability to customise pack shape and dimensions and the option to display the packs vertically.
The equipment has been designed without edges which help in the elimination of the possibility of retention of liquids and other substances.
With an IP rating of 67 and 69, the design of the internal elements supports a high degree of resistance to water and dust.
Owing to the increased sanitation level of the equipment, it is able to reduce downtime associated with cleaning regimes.
ULMA product manager Alastair Cook said: "The less downtime for cleaning means more profit for the customer. The TFS Thermoforming machines have been designed in such a way that they are easily cleaned.
"Attention has been given to the type of material used in the construction, such as replacing some components made of anodised aluminium with stainless steel."
These characteristics of the machine makes it suitable for deep cleaning with high water pressure and help in meeting the criteria and recommendations of the worldwide food safety standards ISO 14159, EN 1672, 3A and EHEDG.
ULMA's recent installation of the TFS includes two TFS 600 machines to a fresh fish packer based in Scotland and a TFS 300 in a cheese manufacturing company in Dorset.
The company also offers other packaging solutions like vacuum bags to extend shelf life, packs with modified atmosphere (MAP), skin packs designed to follow the shape of the food, shrink pack for different-shaped products and packs to match the shape of an item.
Image: ULMA's new TFS Thermoformers which offer high standards of hygiene. Photo: courtesy of ULMA Packaging.
