Slag handling refers to the process of managing and disposing of slag, which is a byproduct of various industrial processes, particularly in the metal and mining industries. Slag is a form of waste material that is produced when certain materials, such as iron ore, coke, and limestone, are melted and processed. Slag Handling,Ash And Slag Handling,Steel Slag Handling,Slag Handling Equipment Shenyang North Heavy Metallurgical Engineering Technology Co., Ltd. , https://www.nhmetallurgy.com
Effective slag handling is important for the proper management and disposal of this waste material. It helps to ensure the safety of workers, protect the environment, and maximize the potential value of slag through recycling and reuse.
Canned food packaging material application new breakthrough
Traditional canned meat products are typically packaged in metal containers, which have long been favored for their durability and ability to preserve food effectively. However, the high cost of metal packaging has become a growing concern, especially as the demand for canned foods continues to rise rapidly. This has led to an increasing need for alternative packaging solutions that are more cost-effective without compromising on quality or safety. In recent years, innovative packaging options such as soft cans have emerged, offering greater convenience and consumer appeal. These developments have significantly expanded the possibilities for the meat processing industry, opening up new opportunities for growth and innovation.
The packaging materials used for canned meats must meet general food packaging standards, but they also have specific requirements due to the nature of the product. Canned meat needs to maintain its original color, flavor, and texture over an extended shelf life, while also being easy to open and consume. Therefore, the packaging materials must:
1. Be non-toxic and odorless, ensuring no harmful substances come into contact with the food.
2. Provide excellent barrier properties against oxygen, preventing oxidation and spoilage.
3. Have minimal moisture permeability to prevent moisture exchange between the product and the environment.
4. Block light transmission to protect the product’s quality and flavor.
5. Be resistant to corrosion, especially when in contact with seasoned broths.
6. Possess sufficient mechanical strength, along with good heat-sealing, printing, and handling characteristics suitable for industrial production.
Flexible packaging materials, such as laminated films made from paper, plastic, aluminum foil, or metallized films, are increasingly used in the packaging of canned meats. These materials are designed to conform to the shape of the product and can be combined in multi-layer structures to enhance performance. Each individual layer has its own limitations, such as heat resistance, printability, or flexibility, so multi-layer composites are often used to combine the best features of each material. This approach ensures that the packaging meets all the necessary requirements for preserving the quality of meat products.
In general, flexible packaging for canned meats must be able to withstand high-temperature sterilization (typically between 110–140°C) and possess good heat-sealing, heat resistance, and barrier properties. Additionally, it should be easy to process, printable, and capable of maintaining the product's visual appeal.
Currently, retort pouches are among the most commonly used flexible packaging formats for canned meats. These pouches are sterilized at high temperatures and can be stored at room temperature for extended periods—usually up to 12 months. Compared to traditional metal cans, soft cans offer several advantages:
1. They are lightweight, reducing overall packaging costs and making them easier to carry and store.
2. Their thin structure allows for faster heat transfer during sterilization, reducing cooking time and minimizing nutrient loss while preserving flavor.
3. They have a long shelf life and do not require refrigeration during storage or transport.
4. They help prevent flavor loss when heating and cooking the food.
5. They save space and reduce transportation costs, improving product competitiveness.
6. They are less likely to cause metal contamination or other chemical interactions with the food inside.
Despite these benefits, soft cans also have some drawbacks, such as lower structural strength, shorter shelf life compared to metal cans, and limited production capacity. Although they are not yet dominant in China’s canned meat market, they show great potential for future development.
With the advancement of cooking bag technology, new types of high-temperature sterilization packaging have also appeared. For example, co-extruded multi-layer composite sheets are now used to create various packaging forms, such as cups, trays, bottles, and tubes. These containers are produced through vacuum forming or pressure thermoforming and can be sterilized using microwave or resistance heating methods. This evolution in packaging design offers more flexibility and opens up new possibilities for the canned meat industry.