Food Packaging Pilot Plant
Nofima has considerable expertise in the dynamics of product packaging. We will be happy to assist with specific issues linked to for example packaging, packaging techniques and shelf life.
What we offer
- Tailor-made courses in packaging
- Testing of packing methods (vacuum packing and gas packing)
- Testing and advice on the selection of films and foil
- Durability testing in chilled/cold storage
Packaging is a key part of the finished product and has a great impact on the product’s shelf life, choice of distribution methods and how the product is displayed to the consumer. Packaging trials are usually conducted internally by individual companies, and regular production must be halted in order to carry out the trials.
Requirements for materials which are in contact with food are regulated by the Packaging Convention (EK – Emballasjekonvensjonen)
Equipment:
- Thermoformer for both vacuum, skin and modified atmosphere packaging
- Bowl packing machine for both vacuum, skin and modified atmosphere packaging
- Horizontal flowpack machine
- Bag packing machine
- Instruments for analysis of barrier properties linked to water vapor, oxygen and carbon dioxide
- Zetasizer and inkjet printer for active and intelligent packaging
- Two light-rooms: one with room temperature and a cooling room
The pilot plants at Ås
The packing pilot plant is part of Nofima’s pilot plants at Ås, which also includes bakery, vegetable hall, fish hall, meat hall and patogen pilot plant. These pilot plants are a platform for research, innovation, product development, courses, networks and teaching and are a part of the overarching Food Pilot Plant Norway research infrastructure.
NATIONAL RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE
The Nofima pilot plants at Ås are part of the National Research Infrastructure FoodPilotPlant Norway. It also includes the process facilities at NMBU (Norwegian University of Life Sciences).