**Rice Packaging: Materials, Methods and Their Impacts**
Rice packaging is determined by the type of material used. The most commonly used materials for rice packaging are plastic woven bags and composite plastic bags. Based on these materials, rice packaging can be categorized into three main forms: regular packaging, vacuum packaging, and inflatable packaging. Regular packaging typically uses plastic woven bags, while vacuum and inflatable packaging rely on composite plastic bags.
1. **Regular Rice Packaging**
Rice is often packed in plastic woven bags made from polypropylene or similar materials. These bags are sealed with stitching and do not involve any preservation techniques during the packaging process. As a result, their ability to prevent pests, mold, and spoilage is limited. They mainly serve the purpose of containing the product. However, due to their high tensile strength, they are commonly used for heavy rice packaging, with an average shelf life of around three months.
Plastic woven bags are made from narrow strips of plastic film or strong, low-elongation braids. These bags are more durable than regular plastic film bags and are resistant to deformation and impact. The woven texture also improves non-slip properties, making them easier to stack during storage. Most rice packages weighing over 5kg are made from this type of material.
Despite their strength, plastic woven bags have poor moisture resistance and barrier properties. This makes them prone to oxidation and mold growth, especially in hot summer conditions. Insect infestation is also a common issue, leading to shorter storage periods.
2. **Vacuum Packaging of Rice**
Vacuum packaging reduces the oxygen level inside the package, which helps inhibit rice respiration and mold growth. It also prevents aging, mold, and insect damage, helping maintain the quality of the rice. The vacuum level in rice packaging is usually between -0.07 and -0.09 kPa. However, the high vacuum can cause the packaging to puncture easily due to the sharp edges of rice grains. During transportation, friction and collisions between bags may also lead to breakage. Therefore, vacuum packaging must be combined with appropriate handling to ensure effectiveness.
3. **Inflatable Packaging of Rice**
Inflatable packaging involves filling the package with gases like COâ‚‚ and Nâ‚‚. These gases are colorless, odorless, and non-toxic, with stable chemical properties. COâ‚‚ helps create a protective layer around the rice, putting it into a "sleep" state, which slows down changes in fatty acids, total acidity, and viscosity. Nitrogen helps reduce oxygen levels, inhibiting microbial growth and maintaining rice quality. Studies show that inflatable packaging is effective in preventing mold and pests.
Vacuum and inflatable packaging both use composite plastic bags, which are made from multi-layer materials such as EVOH, PVDC, PET, PA, PE, PP, etc. These materials offer better moisture, mold, and pest resistance compared to plastic woven bags. They also allow clear printing of labels, logos, and barcodes, making them more attractive to consumers. Most rice packages under 5kg are packed in this way.
Composite plastic bags are usually heat-sealed after vacuuming or inflating. This process enhances the bag’s durability and effectively prevents mold and pests. However, wrinkling can occur during sealing, affecting the appearance. Additionally, these bags may lack sufficient compressive strength, leading to bursting during transport, especially in inflated packages. Another challenge is that plastic bags are difficult to degrade and may face environmental restrictions due to potential toxicity.
The choice of packaging material directly affects the form and performance of rice packaging. With technological advancements, it is expected that rice packaging will continue to evolve, offering more diverse and efficient options. For more updates, stay tuned to China Packaging Network!
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