The artisanal and industrial production of cured meats requires equipment that guarantees maximum hygiene, ease of handling and durability over time. Plastic equipment made with certified materials suitable for food contact - such as those proposed by IFT - is the most suitable for best carrying out every phase of meat, cured meats and sausages processing, guaranteeing compliance with precise quality standards.
Unlike traditional materials such as wood or metal, which are often subject to deformation, corrosion or sanitization difficulties, food-grade certified plastic in fact ensures maximum standards of hygienic safety, long life and extreme practicality of use. The smooth surfaces, the resistance to temperature changes and chemical agents, the ease with which they can be cleaned and sanitized even in HACCP environments make this equipment indispensable. IFT offers a complete range of equipment for the meat and cured meats sector, which can be used for freezing and for different product processing phases, offering innovative solutions for large, medium and small meat slaughtering and processing industries.
Let's see more specifically what the characteristics of plastic equipment are, what advantages they can ensure for the production of cured meats and how they can contribute to improving efficiency and hygiene at every stage.
Plastic equipment designed for the processing of cured meats has specific characteristics and is studied down to the smallest detail to adapt to the needs of the food sector, and in particular for cold cuts production. They are made with high-performance plastic materials, such as food-grade polypropylene (PP) or high-density polyethylene (HDPE), all strictly certified according to European regulations (EU Regulation 10/2011, EC Regulation 1935/2004). These materials are chosen for their chemical inertness, which is the ability not to react with food or substances in the processing environment, thus ensuring the safety of the final product.
One of the main characteristics is thermal resistance. The equipment must in fact operate in environments at variable temperatures: from sub-zero cold rooms to steam drying or sanitization tunnels. The plastic materials used are resistant to temperature changes between -18 °C and +60 °C, without deforming, cracking or losing their mechanical properties. This stability makes them ideal for all phases of cured meat production, from salting to maturing.
The surfaces are designed to avoid the accumulation of organic residues and allow rapid and effective cleaning. This is very important in environments that require maximum hygiene and where the risk of contamination is high. Furthermore, food-grade plastic is waterproof and non-porous, unlike wood or certain metals which, over time, can retain moisture, odors or even develop mold.
From a mechanical point of view, plastic equipment is robust but light, a perfect balance between resistance and practicality. Trays, pallets and grids are designed to withstand considerable loads and are structured to be stacking safely, saving space in the warehouse and cells. Modularity is another distinctive feature: many pieces of equipment are available in standard formats compatible with trolleys, frames and shelves already present in cold cuts factories, facilitating integration without the need for expensive adaptations.
Another important aspect is the ease of sanitization. Plastic equipment is easily sanitized and can be washed with basic chlorinated or acidic solutions (all’1 or 2%), as long as it is not aggressive or contains nitric acid. Simplicity of sanitization and cleaning eliminates the need for frequent replacements, reducing maintenance costs and improving the economic sustainability of the investment.
The advantages deriving from the use of certified plastic equipment are numerous, both for small artisan workshops and for medium-large meat processing industries. These benefits are directly reflected in the quality of the finished product, daily productivity and running costs. Among the main advantages offered by this equipment we find:
IFT offers a wide range of plastic equipment for the food industry, specifically designed to meet the needs of meat and cold cuts factories and improve the efficiency and safety of production processes. Here are 5 essential pieces of equipment ideal for meat production:
IFT pallets are made entirely of recycled polypropylene. They have a resistant but light structure, with a capacity of up to 6,000 kg static. They are stackable, impact resistant and easy to move. Perfect for internal logistics, storage and transport of equipment, such as grills and grids, or cured meats, they guarantee stability and maximum hygiene. Furthermore, they are compatible with automated systems and easily washable.
The grilled boards proposed by IFT are ideal for the storage, processing and maturing of cured meats thanks to the particular perforated surface which ensures optimal ventilation, avoiding the formation of unwanted mold and preserving the quality of the products. They are lightweight, durable and available in different sizes to fit standard trolleys or frames. Made from one-piece CE marked food grade polypropylene, they are resistant to intensive washing and prolonged use in cold storage or high humidity environments. Some models, such as the TGRA grilled board, are also ideal for automatic and robotized systems.
IFT plastic trays, such as the VSG6060 C model, are designed for the drying, maturing or salting phases. They are designed to be easily stackable and moveable even by a single operator thanks to the ergonomic design. Entirely made of food-grade polypropylene, they are resistant to scratches and frequent wear. The smooth edges and beveled corners facilitate sanitization, avoiding the risk of contamination. Ideal for daily and continuous use in meat processing environments.
IFT plastic grids are robust and light, ideal for the transport and temporary storage of cured meats during the salting, refrigeration or freezing phases. They have a high load capacity (about 40 kg) and dimensions compatible with industrial trolleys (760 × 580 mm). They are equipped with raised feet to facilitate drainage and prevent contact between stacked containers. They withstand temperatures from –18 °C to +60 °C and can be washed frequently with acidic or basic detergents (avoiding harsh products such as nitric acid).
IFT mats are perfect for different processing phases of cured meats, such as salting and maturing. They are made of flexible but resistant plastic, perforated to facilitate the passage of air and the drainage of liquids. They offer a hygienic and easily washable surface, avoiding stagnation and the formation of odors or mold. They can be washed and reused without losing their original shape or characteristics.
Each IFT product is the result of years of research in the food sector and represents a safe investment for meat and cured meats factories that want to guarantee constant quality, hygienic safety and operational practicality. Choosing this equipment means improving production efficiency, reducing cleaning time and ensuring a more professional and organized working environment.
For more information on IFT plastic equipment, contact us! Our staff is always available to advise you on the best products best suited to the production needs of your company.
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