How Converting Equipment Is Used in Food Processing

How Pinnacle converting machines are used in the food processing industry

While the converting industry has a hand in almost all of the consumer goods we use in our daily lives, it’s not something most people think about. They’re certainly aware that the products they use are made in factories, but the fact that the converting industry exists as part of the upstream or downstream process in thousands—even millions!—of commercial and consumer products is overlooked.

One example of an industry where converting is prevalent but often overlooked is food processing. Converting equipment plays a vital role in the food processing industry, allowing manufacturers to batch-process products quickly, safely, and cost-effectively.

Pinnacle machines have been an essential component of the food manufacturing production industry for decades, creating machines that produce critical components in the packaging of food goods. Here’s a look at how converting equipment is used in this industry.

Elements of converting in the food processing industry we will review

This post covers the basics of converting equipment in food processing, along with some specific examples. Read on to learn more about:

• The role converting equipment plays in food processing
• Special considerations that must be made when purchasing converting equipment for this industry
• Examples of how Pinnacle converting equipment is used in food processing, including moisture-lock pads and plastic wrap

Converting equipment in food processing

A wide range of converting equipment is used in the food processing industry, including slitter rewinders, sheeting and stacking equipment, and custom equipment developed for specific processes and products used in processing food.

Converting equipment is used to create the materials needed for safely and hygienically packaging foods, such as bags and wraps. Some equipment is also used in the production of pre-packaged convenience foods, including frozen meals, snacks, and other items.

Not only do these machines help speed up the production process, but they also increase product quality and consistency. This is especially important in the food industry, where safety and hygiene are paramount. Essentially, converting equipment ensures that all products meet industry standards before being packaged and sent to stores.

Overall, converting equipment serves an important purpose in the food processing industry by streamlining production, improving product quality, and ensuring safety standards are met. This helps to make food processing as efficient and cost-effective as possible.

Special considerations for food processing converting equipment

When selecting converting equipment, food processing companies must take into account the specific demands of their industry. For instance, all machines used in food processing must be made from materials that are approved for use with consumables and easy to clean.

In addition, these machines should ideally feature a certain level of automation. Automation improves product consistency, reduces operator fatigue, and ensures that all products meet the desired specifications. Using robotics and automation in food processing also improves hygiene by ensuring sanitary production.

Finally, it’s important to select converting equipment from a supplier with experience in the food processing industry. This is the best way of ensuring that all applicable safety standards are met and that any issues can be addressed quickly and efficiently.

Examples of converting equipment in food processing

Pinnacle is proud to partner with food processors to provide converting equipment that produces critical components for food production. While Pinnacle manufactures converting equipment for thousands of production lines, more recently, we have created machines that work in the production of:

Moisture-lock pads

Moisture-lock pads are the pads commonly used in the meatpacking industry to line the trays that meat is placed on before it is wrapped. The pads are designed to absorb moisture and keep the meat fresh during shipping and storage. They also help reduce product shrinkage, prolong shelf life, and protect food items from contamination.

The converting equipment used in the production of these pads includes Pinnacle slitter rewinders and perforators. Festooners are also used in the production process; they lay the pads in the boxes for easy integration into the production lines.

Plastic films

This film is specifically designed for the sealing of processed foods. It helps make sure food stays fresh, clean, and safe by creating a barrier between the product and its environment. It also helps extend product shelf life.

An example of this is the film that seals the plastic trays that hold microwavable frozen meals. Plastic film used for this purpose must be available in thousands of different shapes and sizes.

Pinnacle has developed slitter rewinders that unwind, slit, and rewind this plastic film, cutting the material to the correct sizes so it can be used to package frozen food and other perishable items.