Page 57 - FoodFocusThailand No.236 November 2025

STRENGTHEN THE PACKAGING THE PACKAGING
STRENGTHEN

In the competitive food and beverage
industry, extending the shelf life of
products is a crucial factor in reducing
waste, expanding distribution reach, and
ultimately boosting profitability. Retort
packaging offers a powerful solution, and
understanding its nuances can give your
business a significant edge.

Retort Packaging Technology

for Extending Product Shelf Life

What is ‘Retort Packaging’? • Efficient Cooling: Rapid and controlled cooling after the
Retort packaging involves sealing food in a flexible or semi- sterilization cycle minimizes heat damage to the food and helps
rigid container and then commercially sterilization using high preserve its nutritional value and sensory attributes.
temperatures (typically between 110-130°C) under pressure. • Process Monitoring and Data Logging: Sophisticated
This process eliminates microorganisms and enzymes that retort machines offer features like automated process
cause spoilage, allowing for extended shelf-life at room monitoring and data logging, allowing for precise control, full
temperature, often for months or even years. traceability, and continuous improvement of the sterilization
process.
‘Retort Packaging’ and Shelf-Life Extension:
Key Benefits Beyond the Machine:
1. Microbial Inactivation: The high heat and pressure Factors Influencing Shelf Life
used in retort processing effectively destroy bacteria, yeasts, While the retort machine plays a vital role, other factors also
and molds, preventing spoilage and ensuring food safety. influence the shelf life of retort packaged foods:
2. Enzyme Deactivation: Heat treatment also inactivates • Product Formulation: The inherent properties of the
enzymes responsible for food deterioration, such as those food, such as pH, water activity, and initial microbial load, can
causing discoloration, texture changes, and off-flavors. affect its susceptibility to spoilage.
3. Barrier Properties: Retort pouches and trays are • Packaging Material: Selecting the appropriate packaging
designed with multiple layers of materials that provide material with the right barrier properties is crucial for maintaining
excellent barriers against oxygen, moisture, and light, further product quality and extending shelf life.
preserving the quality and freshness of the food. • Storage Conditions: Even after retort processing, proper
4. Versatility: Retort packaging accommodates a wide storage conditions (cool, dry, and away from direct sunlight)
range of food products, from ready meals and soups to fruits, are essential to prevent degradation and maintain optimal
vegetables, and even pet foods. quality.
Retort packaging, coupled with efficient retort machine
Retort Machine Considerations for Optimal operation, offers a robust solution for extending the shelf life of
Shelf Life food and beverage products. By understanding the principles of
Choosing the right retort machine and optimizing its operation retort processing and carefully controlling critical parameters,
is essential for maximizing shelf life: food manufacturers can achieve significant gains in product
• Accurate Temperature and Pressure Control: Precise longevity, safety, and market reach. Investing in advanced
control over temperature and pressure ensures consistent retort technology and optimizing processing conditions will
sterilization, which can compromise shelf life and product undoubtedly contribute to success in the dynamic food and
quality. beverage landscape.
• Uniform Heat Distribution: Effective heat distribution
within the retort chamber guarantees that all packages reach
the required temperature for the specified time, preventing More Information Service Info C010
cold spots and ensuring complete sterilization.

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