Classification of Materials for Food Vacuum Bags

Food vacuum bag is a packaging material designed to maintain the freshness of food and extend its shelf life. Food vacuum bags are made of special materials and processes, with strong sealing properties, which can effectively prevent the entry of air, moisture, and microorganisms, thereby maintaining the original flavor and freshness of food. Through vacuum packaging, oxygen inside food packaging can be removed, slowing down the oxidation process of food and extending its shelf life. Meanwhile, vacuum packaging can also prevent food from getting damp, moldy, and spoiled.
There are various materials for food vacuum bags, each with its own characteristics and applicable scenarios. The following is a detailed introduction to the material classification of food vacuum bags:
1、 Single layer material
Polyethylene (PE):
Characteristics: PE material food vacuum bags are soft, tough, and have barrier properties.
Applicable scenarios: Commonly used for packaging cooked food, pastries, and other foods due to their moderate price and ease of processing.
Polypropylene (PP):
Characteristics: PP material food vacuum bags have high transparency and good heat resistance, but their barrier performance is slightly inferior to PE.
Applicable scenarios: Suitable for packaging food that requires display of appearance and does not require high barrier performance, such as vegetables, fruits, etc.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC):
Characteristics: PVC food vacuum bags have good barrier properties, but may release harmful substances at high temperatures.
Applicable scenarios: Although PVC material performs well in some aspects, its application in the field of food packaging is gradually decreasing due to environmental issues.
2、 Composite material
Nylon/Polyethylene (PA/PE) Composite Bag:
Characteristics: Combining the wear resistance and tear resistance of nylon with the flexibility of polyethylene, while also possessing good barrier properties.
Applicable scenarios: Commonly used for packaging food that requires freezing preservation, such as meat and seafood.
Polyester/Polyethylene (PET/PE) Composite Bag:
Characteristics: PET material has excellent transparency and hardness, while PE provides good flexibility. This composite bag combines the advantages of both, with excellent barrier properties and display effects.
Applicable scenarios: Suitable for packaging food that requires appearance display and high barrier performance requirements, such as vegetables, fruits, cooked food, etc.
Aluminum foil/polyethylene (AL/PE) composite bag:
Characteristics: Aluminum foil has excellent barrier and shading properties, which can effectively prevent the entry of light and oxygen.
Applicable scenarios: Commonly used for packaging food that is sensitive to light or requires long-term preservation, such as nuts, chocolate, etc.
Nylon/aluminum foil/polyethylene (PA/AL/PE) composite bag:
Characteristics: This composite bag combines the wear resistance of nylon, the barrier performance of aluminum foil, and the flexibility of polyethylene, with high barrier performance and durability.
Applicable scenarios: Commonly used for packaging high-value, perishable foods such as meat, seafood, etc.
3、 Other materials
In addition to the common materials mentioned above, there are also some special materials for food vacuum bags, such as biodegradable materials, biobased materials, etc. These materials have advantages in terms of environmental protection and sustainability, but cost and performance may vary depending on the material.
In summary, the material selection of food vacuum bags should be comprehensively considered based on factors such as the characteristics of the food, packaging requirements, and environmental protection requirements. When selecting materials, it is essential to ensure that they comply with food safety standards and relevant regulatory requirements.