Enhanced Shelf Life, Simple Preparation

The added value of perishable food is significantly determined by the product's shelf life. A typical example is the so-called convenient food packaging which means prepared and completely packed fresh meals with salad or vegetables that can be prepared at home in a very short time. In this case, a longer shelf life often makes the difference between profit and loss which is determined by modified atmosphere or humidity conservation.

New laser perforation technologies allow selective perforation of micro holes into the packaging. In order to create the ideal atmosphere within the package, micro perforated foils adjust to the breathability of the product and adapt to the amount of oxygen. Today, gas exchange can be controlled in order to accelerate ripening of cheese. In addition the micro perforation balances the vapor pressur which is created during heating of already packaged producted in the microwave.

CO₂ lasers with high pulse intensities are used for MAP applications. Other than with laser scribing for easy opening, laser power rates are high enough to ablate all layers thermally and thus a micro hole perforation is applied. Depending on the packaging material, lasers with power rates in the range of 100 to 2000 Watt with best possible beam quality are used. Up to 16 parallel perforation lines are created by one laser perforation system. Hole distances between 0.2 mm and 500 mm are possible.