Container Packaging Equipment

Container Packaging Equipment — container packaging is a common solution for packaging ready meals, delicatessen products and fresh food for sale or delivery; a hermetically sealed tray or container packaging looks professional and modern, provides the customer with clear product visibility, indicates the storage period and meets food safety requirements in HoReCa businesses.

Container packaging technologies

Container Packaging Equipment — container packaging equipment works with several different technologies depending on the type of product and the planned storage time. Thermal sealing — the film is thermally pressed onto the container edge with a hot plate; suitable for fresh food or fast-selling products without a gas atmosphere. Vacuum sealing — air is extracted from the container before the film is sealed; products last longer than with thermal sealing; suitable for vegetables, cheese and dried products. MAP (Modified Atmosphere Packaging) — after air extraction, a protective gas mixture (CO₂/N₂/O₂ in various proportions) is introduced into the container; suitable for fresh meat, fish and ready meals; see Chamber Vacuum Equipment. BHS provides container packaging equipment in Europe.

Types and sizes of containers

Container Packaging Equipment — container packaging equipment usually works with standardized container formats that match the equipment shape. PP plastic trays — the most widely used; suitable for cold and hot food; thickness and tray shape match the packaging machine specifications; can go in the dishwasher (heat-resistant). Aluminium trays — suitable for meals that are heated or baked directly in the tray; heat-resistant; disposable; not used in most packaging machines. Film rolls — most equipment uses rolls of polyester or PA/PE combination film; the type of film is chosen according to the packaging technology; see Thermoforming Vacuum Equipment.

HACCP requirements for container packaging

Container Packaging Equipment — container packaging for ready meals requires strict HACCP compliance and correct date labelling. Product cooling — ready meals are cooled to +10°C or lower before packaging; packaging hot meals increases condensation and bacterial risk inside the container. Labelling — each sealed container must have a label with the product name, ingredients, production date and use-by date; for MAP packaging, also indicate: store at +2°C–+4°C. Equipment cleaning — the sealing surface of the equipment is cleaned after each shift; the film path and container holder are disinfected; see Liquid Vacuumizing Equipment.

HoReCa application scenarios for container packaging equipment

Ready meal delivery business — a business that delivers ready meals (meal prep) uses container packaging machines to package portions aesthetically, with clear labelling and a long storage life; BHS provides equipment. Catering business with a sales point — packaging delicatessen or restaurant food products for retail. Small food production site — packaging sausages, cheese, salads for sale in supermarkets or retail outlets; BHS supplies the products. BHS offers container packaging equipment to HoReCa businesses across Europe.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between container packaging equipment and chamber vacuum equipment? Container packaging equipment — chamber vacuum equipment packages products in flat bags; container packaging equipment seals products in rigid or semi-rigid trays with film; tray packaging is more aesthetic for retail and ensures the product shape is maintained; see Chamber Vacuum Equipment.

Does MAP packaging require a specific gas connection? Container packaging equipment — yes, MAP packaging requires a gas cylinder or gas line with CO₂, N₂ and O₂ gases; proportions depend on the product; the gas regulator is installed with the equipment; consult BHS specialists; see Thermoforming Vacuum Equipment.

Why choose BHS?

BHS – Baltic HoReCa Solutions supplies professional equipment for restaurants, cafés, hotels and canteens: more than 20,000 products from many manufacturers. Our specialists help you choose the right equipment and spare parts for your kitchen or bar.

Delivery

We deliver across the European Union. Delivery time and cost depend on the order volume and destination — contact the BHS team for an exact price and lead time.