Milk Powder Packaging: The Complete Guide to Frequently Asked Questions in 2023 (2023)

The recent boom in the milk powder packaging sector has led to a transformation in the processing, packaging and distribution of urban sectors.

Consider the production of milk powder, where processing and packaging are two equally important units. The milk powder packaging stage comes in the final but critical stage;Do you know why?
The purpose of this comprehensive article is to present the basic background of milk powder packaging, such as packaging principle, materials, styles and importance in the context of extended shelf life.

1. What is milk powder packaging?

The growing demand for milk powder has prompted a cascade of demand for packaging in the production chain of the manufacturing sector. That's why companies use different automation strategies to achieve a smarter, longer-lasting and more economical solution.

Packing milk powder is a constant necessity if you really want to get adequate nutritional content. Packaging milk powder is a convenient way to store milk powder for a long time.

It provides better storage and a number of benefits to the valuable end user with extended shelf life without the need for refrigeration. Furthermore, it assures the end user that the product is safe from challenging factors to maintain potency and efficacy, especially microbial contamination.

2. What factors reduce the benefits of powdered milk?

The packaging of any food is necessary to prevent its spoilage, and the packaging of milk powder is also important to protect it from spoilage.

Parameters such as moisture penetration that increases more than the desired content, damage caused by oxidation and light reactivity reactions that reduce product quality are considered to be crucial for milk powder packaging. Let's see what each parameter causes the powder quality to change.

Moisture transfer

In order to effectively preserve the milk powder's qualities and properties against excess moisture and the formation of cakes or lumps, care is taken with the packaging. At high temperature, the surface fat on the powder particles sticks together and forms a fat bridge, which makes the appearance of the powder appear lumpy. At low temperature, milk fat turns into crystallized powder particles that form a partially or fully crystalline bridge leading to coagulation.

Oxidation

Oxidative degradation reduces its original form through enzymatic and microbial reactions. There is a certain acceptable moisture content in milk powder, the limit of which must be known. Oxidation of milk powder is associated with the presence of unsaturated fats that make the milk taste rancid, which also affects the nutritional status and at the same time changes the taste.

Lys

As is the case with oxygen reactivity, so is light. Milk-based products are usually sensitive to light due to the presence of riboflavin, a highly light-sensitive vitamin that converts light particles into singlet oxygen, which in turn contributes to oxidative degradation.

Therefore, in order to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the milk powder's properties and nutritional benefits, it is mandatory to pack it in such materials that constitute an obstacle to the above-mentioned problems and increase the shelf life and quality of the product.

3. What are the different types of milk powder packaging?

Usually, the method of packaging milk powder is done in two ways, packaging or canning. Both types have their individual advantages, but also some disadvantages.
The type you choose to package your brand of milk powder depends on your budget, customer preferences and the quality of shelf life you want to give your product.

We will discuss several types of different packaging styles that you can choose from:

Common packing

This is the most versatile packaging method, allowing mass or hundreds of kg of milk powder to be placed in a multi-layer polyethylene coated paper liner. Due to its great advantages, it is still used in many industrial sectors for storage.

Bulk bin

The basic concept of bulk containers is completely new; provides great value for repackaging and processing of all material. This is a very interesting way of packaging because it limits excessive costs during handling and transport.
The following types of bulk containers are:

Pungspand

They are used to store milk powder weighing from 800 to 1000 kg. This packaging is ideal for transporting bulk cargo, i.e. internal transfer to central stations or dispatch. Moreover, it helps to reduce the cost by about half of stainless steel. Hermetically sealed stacked containers are emptied directly into the hopper via a lifter.

Big Bag/Bag in Box

This packaging concept has somewhat surpassed the box container, as the large multi-layer polyethylene milk powder bag is protected by woven plastic or triple laminated corrugated board. They are a significantly cheaper way to fill and pack.

Detailemballage

In retail packaging, metal cans dominate first; with greater progress and high competition in the market, several other packaging options are introduced such as bags, pouches. Let's look at the different packaging options.

Tin packaging

In this type, it depends on which material source for the cans you choose. Metal cans ensure good hermetic preservation and shelf life for milk powder. Normally, powdered milk can be stored for about 2 to 3 years in a metal can. In this way, they can also provide nutritional protection by protecting the milk powder from moisture or any other factor.

Packing of jars

Today, plastic containers are more common for milk powder packaging, representing a sustainable packaging strategy. A high-quality plastic container can demonstrate durability and strength under unbreakable conditions. They preserve the rich nutrients found in milk powder because they are airtight, and also protect the product from environmental degradation.
It is lighter and therefore easier to transport.

DoypackPackaging

Doypack offers a sustainable approach to packaging options. They are light, adjustable and therefore suitable for storage and transport. They offer a protective and preservative quality to the powder inside so that it maintains its standard properties throughout its shelf life.

Stick Pack emballage

The main advantage of this type is that they are very convenient to carry and use for individual portions due to their small and narrow size. Stick packs are used for a variety of purposes thanks to their ease of use, extended life and environmental friendliness as they require less material for their production and therefore controlled waste.

taskpacking

Packaging bags are convenient to use. Small packages can be easily carried and transported, and consumers can also use them if they need a smaller amount of disposable products at a lower price that they can buy.

Pudepakning

This type of packaging is one of the most common types that includes a pillow-shaped package that is sealed on three sides.
showing a shiny appearance. They guarantee the safety of the product and the ability to lock in the smell. It can be used for different product packaging and guarantees cost security due to less material consumption.

Packaging with inlaid bags

Such packaging has a flat base that can stand upright without any support. Compared to other types of packaging, they can easily fit into a small space, so more bags can be placed on the store shelf.

Pap

There is no doubt that cardboard packaging is much more comfortable than other forms of packaging. Many international brands prefer cardboard boxes for milk powder packaging because it is simple and cost-effective. However, the moisture resistance property is somehow very low. Also, during transportation and storage procedures, it is prone to crushing damage, and the protection of essential nutrients is also very weak. Because of this, it is not often used in many regions.

4. Is packaging milk powder a good alternative to regular milk?

To! According to scientific evidence, packaging milk powder is beneficial because it retains the same nutrients as fresh milk and can be easily prepared and drunk. But when it comes to packaging, it is much more difficult and challenging, requiring expensive machinery and process steps.
Milk powder packaging occurs when the milk is evaporated and undergoes a series of processes such as pasteurization, freeze drying, etc. As milk powder has a limited shelf life, it is stored in a hermetically sealed system where side effects are limited.

Good packaging blocks the surrounding environment and reduces the effects of oxygen, moisture, light and microbes. Therefore, you can count it as the healthiest option in your diet.

5. Which machines are used to pack milk powder?

Milk powder packaging machines are available in a variety of design styles and structures. This equipment can pack different amounts of milk powder into creatively designed containers to produce the product. Some common milk powder packaging machines are:

Vertical Form Fill and Seal Machine (VFFS)

Hermetic bags or pouches are best for packing powdered milk. Vertical filling and sealing machines are an integral part of various industries, especially food. This equipment is routinely used for accurate and precise dosing of milk powder.

VFFS machines are capable of filling bags in various styles such as ziplock bags, doypack bags, pillow bags, stand-up bags or grommet bags. This ability of VFFS machines makes them ideal for dispensing different amounts of milk powder. With their quick changeover, several types of bags are also processed in a short time.

VFFS packs milk powder

TRIN 1

In VFFS machines, the milk powder packaging takes place in a vertical direction. To begin with, the film roll is placed on the film unwinder and then it is unwound by the film rollers, which finally lead the film to the forming tube. The dancer's hands on the VFFS equipment prevent the film from slipping.

TRIN 2

The film is wrapped around the forming tube and folded into a bag shape. The sealing jaws located at the bottom of the machine perform side and bottom sealing.

TRIN 3

Filling fillers or other dispensing systems installed with a VFFS machine assist in volumetric dispensing of milk powder into partially formed pouches. Subsequent top sealing and bag trimming is done with horizontal sealing jaws and cutting blades.

Stick packing machines

For optimal packaging, machines are used for packaging small doses of powdered milk. They are equipped with screw fillers and scales for measuring and dosing exact amounts of powder in stick packages. This equipment is suitable for filling instant milk powder packages in manual manual equipment in the food industry.

This equipment is the preferred choice for various industries due to the minimal wastage of milk powder waste as well as the flawless sealing of the closure. Dust-free charging is one of their many advantages.

Packaging of milk powder using a stick packing machine

TRIN 1

The film roll is unwound with a film unwinder and passes over the rollers. The cutter blades cut the film into several strips depending on the strips present in the stick packing machines. These strips go to the molding area where they wrap around like molding tubes. Tube-forming, fold the strips and turn them into a package-like structure.

TRIN 2

The following heat welding jaws are used to weld the sides and bottom of the rod. An auger or tipper is used for filling milk powder. These fillers help to gradually fill the rod pack.

TRIN 3

After filling, stick packages are sealed with sealing bars on the upper side. Blades separate each pack of sticks.

Machine for packing finished bags

Ready-to-use bagging machines are versatile and environmentally friendly machines that are routinely used on a medium to large scale for packaging a variety of granular or powder products. This equipment has flexible processing capabilities and can process different bag styles. In addition, these machines can fill bags made of different materials.

Low energy consumption is the main advantage of these machines because there is no need to produce bags in these machines. Therefore, this equipment can contribute to low-carbon mobility.

Packaging of milk powder using Premade Pouch packing machine

TRIN 1

The packaging process begins with the loading of a stack of preformed bags into the loading area. Grippers pick up individual bags and carry them to the opening system. Air is directed into the inflatable bags that help fill the appropriate milk powder.

TRIN 2

After pumping up, the next step is to fill the powder into bags. Automatic feeders are used for this purpose, which control the filling speed.

TRIN 3

Sealing elements are used for hermetic and hermetic closure of bags. They fuse the two sides together by pressing and heating.

Bag filling machines

Bag filling machines are ideal for dispensing and packing small quantities of milk powder into bags for retail sale. This significantly reduces the cost per pack, making the bag quite wallet-friendly.

This self-contained equipment is flexible and versatile with a quick format changeover, so it can fill several bags per minute. This equipment consists of modern cutting systems that safely cut and trim the edges of individual bags.

Packaging of milk powder with bag filling machines

TRIN 1

In such packaging machines, the process of packing milk powder into bags begins with the insertion of a roll of foil on the foil unwinder. The film is then unwound using the unwind rollers by controlling the tension of the film.

TRIN 2

The film is cut into front and back panels which move to the forming area where these panels are formed into bags. The forming tube can create bags of different sizes depending on the programmed size option.

TRIN 3

Sealing rods help seal these bags on the sides and bottom. After partial sealing, the powder is placed in bags, which are later sealed at the top end.

Machines for packing cans

This equipment is usually used to pack large quantities of milk powder, especially baby formula. Can packaging machines are equipped with the most modern technologies that help with the hygienic filling of milk powder.

Can packaging machines not only provide bulk quality control, but can also gently process the powder, helping to maintain product integrity and nutrition.

Packaging of milk powder using can packaging machines

TRIN 1

These machines use a screw mechanism to evenly dispense powder into cans, bottles and jars. The first empty can is placed on the conveyor belt and sterilized after passing through the sterilization tunnel.

TRIN 2

A screw dispenser or other fillers are used to fill precise amounts of milk powder inside the container.

TRIN 3

The filled cans are then closed, closed or sealed in an area where vacuum systems and high temperatures seal the container openings with closures such as caps or lids.

6. What are the main parts of milk powder packing machines?

Dio	Description	Image
Hopper	The container part of milk powder packing machines is used to fill large amounts of powder. The milk powder is stored inside the tank and gradually transferred to the dosing machines.
Smart HMI	It is an integral part of modern milk powder packaging machines. Smart HMI is a touch screen that makes programming and monitoring the packaging machine easy and simple. Parameters such as temperature, vacuum settings and bag length can be easily adjusted on the smart screen by selecting pre-programmed options.
Sealing unit	This is an important component that is imperative to maintain the integrity of the product by ensuring the hermetic protective seal of the packaged milk powder. Sealing rods are heated to bond two layers of film. These parts close bags, pouches, sticks or pouches laterally as well as at the lower and upper ends.
Cutting knife	This section cuts and separates the various individual packages. These components are located in the center of the sealing jaws and perform the cutting function after the bags are completely formed and sealed.
Cast pipe	This part is like a human necklace and is found in almost all types of packaging machines. These components shape packages of various styles according to the desired shape programmed by the operator. To make bags or other packaging containers, plastic or aluminum foil is wrapped around the forming tube.
Screw filler or dosing unit	Screw fillers are necessary for accurate dosing of milk powder. These components help in the gradual filling of powders into different containers. Adjustable wheels inside these fillers help fill different doses of powder as needed.
Vag	The function of these parts is to statistically measure the exact amount of milk powder for filling
sensors	Futuristic milk powder packaging machines are equipped with sensors that are part of a tankless system without filling. These sensors are essential in preventing dangerous incidents as they can detect a machine fault and trigger an alarm.

7. Which industry used machines to package powdered milk?

To meet consumers' higher demand for powdered products, milk powder packaging machines are used in various industries in the world. This equipment has a high production rate so it helps generate more income.

Below are a few basic uses of milk powder packaging machines.

8. What is the shelf life of different packages of powdered milk?

For retail purposes, milk powder is packaged in metal cans or bags. The structure and construction of the packaging material depends on the type of milk powder, i.e. skimmed milk, full fat or with added vitamins, the surface, the method of transport and much more.

Metal cans

Powdered milk provides excellent shelf life when stored in a metal can because it offers ultra-barrier properties against moisture and oxygen exchange. Moreover, the inflow of light is completely impossible. It is well known that milk powder with a high fat content is more prone to oxidation and more susceptible to degradation such as clumping, coagulation, taste change, etc.
with proper construction, i.e. metal cans with resealable lids and aluminum foil lamination ensures a solid storage environment and guarantees a shelf life of up to 5 years.

Multi-layer bag

Today, plastic or aluminum foil has appeared, which has successfully replaced metal cans. Laminated bags or pouches are formed, filled, gas flushed and sealed using a single machine from the warehouse.
The shelf life of milk powder packaging in bags depends on the environment it is transported in. However, a shelf life of two years is usually required for distribution in harsh environments, while regions with very strong economies are offered a shelf life of up to one year.

Always remember that shelf life does not depend solely on the brand or quantity of the product. Certain external factors such as oxygen, moisture, transport are quite important to maintain the effectiveness of the packaging.

9. Why is nitrogen gas used in milk powder packaging?

The milk powder packaging process uses a vacuum unit and a vacuum pump. The purpose behind this is to completely deplete the oxygen and then displace it with nitrogen or an inert gas. This procedure is carried out to extend the shelf life of milk powder. You cannot observe nitrogen filled in cans, but you must observe inflated bags. Furthermore, air consists of 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen and some variables.

However, atmospheric oxygen quickly reacts with the unsaturated fatty acid, catalyzing the rancidity process. This is the most challenging problem facing the food industry. Nitrogen has a long history of preserving foods; it also softens and protects the sensitive ingredients in powdered milk. Nevertheless, only food grade nitrogen should be used for food applications to achieve 100% safe products and maintain quality.

10. What is the appropriate form of packaging for infant formula?

Packaging of infant milk powder is the strictly regulated phase of the food industry. This is because babies' stomachs are super sensitive to tolerate any substitute ingredients.
In addition to the critical formulation process, its special packaging offers a barrier against environmental factors such as oxygen, light, temperature, etc.

To ensure you provide high quality, safe and potent milk powder; it is usually packed in a gas-tight compositecans, cardboard boxes, green paper, bags and pouches.
Multi-layer wall storage has the ability to fight against unwanted parameters.
This also increases the value of the food for your baby, offering a safe good substitute for breast milk, which also effectively promotes the brand.

Conclusion

In recent years, a huge increase in the use of milk powder has changed the world of packaging with new advances and innovations. Therefore, today you can consume milk powder without worrying about its quality, strength and effectiveness. Thanks to the solid milk powder packaging material that protects the products from environmental and chemical hazards. If you are looking for the best milk powder packaging equipment or need a consultation, we are here to serve you. Contact us for inquiries and product offers.