What are The Benefits of Vacuum Packing?

Vacuum packing is a method of packaging that removes air from the package before sealing. The main purpose is to prevent oxidation reactions such as lipid oxidation, loss of certain vitamins, oxidative browning, protein oxidation, loss of pigments, etc. It also prevents deterioration by aerobic microorganisms, fungi, and particularly mold. The removal of oxygen from the package helps to extend the shelf life of products and, with flexible package forms, to reduce the volume of the contents and package.

Vacuum packaging was invented in the 1950s by a German inventor named Karl Busch. It is used to maintain long-duration storage of dry foods like cereals, nuts, cured meats, coffee, cheese, etc. It can also be used for short-duration storage of fresh foods like vegetables, meats, and liquids.

Also Read: Type of VCI Packaging

 Benefits of Vacuum Packing:
• Increased Shelf Life
Products packed using vacuum packing are protected from dust, moisture, insects, and a variety of other external elements. It greatly extends the shelf life of products especially food items and can preserve it 3 to 5 times longer than when stored in plastic containers or bags. It is also a preferred form of packing products that require long-term freezer storage. Proper vacuum packing reduces freezer burn and is a chosen form of packaging for meat storage around the world. The amount of time the product will last in vacuum sealing depends on where the product is stored.

• No Chemical Preservatives Required
Vacuum packaging eliminates the need for chemical preservatives and ensures that the flavours are locked in. With the application of the correct balance of oxygen to inert gas within the vacuum package, the product can last longer without the use of commonly used preservatives. As the earth's atmosphere is made up of 78% nitrogen, the most commonly used inert gas for vacuum packing; vacuum sealing is safe and the best. It ensures to maintain the original taste of the product without adding any harmful chemicals to preserve them longer.

• Improved Product Display
As most vacuum bags are crystal clear, products within the packing can be viewed very easily. It makes it easier for the consumer to see the product without breaking the package. With multiple packaging options like rolls of film or bags, bags with re-closable zippers, easy-open tear notches, foil-lined, channeled, and more, providing a variety of ways to improve display and protect the product.

 • Dry Packing
For non-edible products like electronic equipment, medical items that are quite sensitive to moisture, sealing them in packing that is non-moisture permeable would prevent the entry of moisture into the package. Vacuum packing offers a great solution for such sensitive pieces of product, as they can be sealed inside a moisture barrier bag. It also ensures that the product is kept safe from dirt, bacteria, and other particles.

A major advantage of vacuum packaging is that the pack volume remains the same as the product volume. It greatly reduces the bulk of non-food items like clothing and bedding that can be stored in bags thus protecting them from dust, moisture, and mites. It helps to achieve optimization of space.