As a global industry that continues to expand, the food processing sector now uses an ever-expanding range of food processing line solutions, equipment and machinery to cook, prepare and package food products.
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Food processing line solutions and equipment are used to enhance the taste and shelf life of food products while filling and packaging equipment is used to safely package prepared food.
Safety, cost, and ease of maintenance are of paramount importance when choosing food processing equipment.
Industry-leading suppliers of food processing production line equipment
Our Just Food team has researched and listed leading suppliers and contractors of processing solutions, filling systems and packaging lines based on its extensive knowledge in the food processing and packaging sectors.
Our list includes some of the leading providers of processing lines, drying and evaporation equipment, moisture control solutions, heat sealing and lidding lines, automatic weighing machines, sterilisation and pasteurisation solutions, sorting and packing lines, and bagging and palletising lines for the food industry.
The information contained within the download document is designed for food technologists, Engineers, processing supervisors and managers, production managers and executives, and processing plant heads and consultants.
Our download content also contains some important and detailed industry information on suppliers and their product lines, as well as contact details wherever available.
Types of food processing equipment
Food processing companies use different equipment depending on the stage of food preparation.
The equipment used by food processing companies can be classified based on different processing stages, including:
- Preparation equipment for functions such as cleaning, grading and sorting
- Mechanical processing systems for size reduction, cutting or chopping, forming, homogenisation, mixing, and blending
- Heat processing equipment for baking, blanching, dehydration, evaporation, pasteurisation and sterilisation
- Preservation systems based on preservation methods such as chemical, water reduction and refrigeration
- Packaging equipment, such as fillers and form-fill-seal systems
Food processing companies also use equipment for food quality inspection, material handling, and measurement and control. These include food analysis equipment, spectrometers, magnetic analysers, pressure gauges, and weighing and conveyor systems.
Packaging and filling equipment used by food processing companies
Food processing companies are now using an increasing range of different types of packaging equipment, often based on the food products being handled.
Processed foods can be packed in rigid packs such as bottles, cans and jars.
They can also be homed in flexible and semi-flexible packs, including bags, cling or shrink wraps, squeezable tubes, foam trays, stand-up packets, boxes, and tetra packs.
Common packaging equipment used in food processing includes food vacuum packaging machines, cup or tray sealers, gas flush packaging machines, bagging machines, closing machines, vertical form fill machines, sealers, and shrink tanks.
Filling machines are mostly used for liquid food products and sauces. They can include aseptic fillers, piston filling machines, volumetric fillers and robotic filling machines.
FAQs
What equipment is used in food processing lines?
Food processing lines use preparation, mechanical processing, heat treatment, and preservation systems. This includes equipment like slicers, homogenisers, blenders, ovens, and sterilisation machines. Each plays a role in ensuring product quality and extending shelf life.
How does packaging equipment differ in food processing?
Packaging machines vary depending on the food product. Rigid packs (bottles, cans) and flexible packs (bags, wraps) require different equipment such as vacuum sealers, bagging machines, and volumetric fillers.
What is the role of filling machines in the food industry?
Filling machines are essential for efficiently packaging liquid foods and sauces. Common systems include piston fillers, volumetric fillers, and aseptic filling machines, ensuring products are safely packed while maintaining quality.
How do automated food processing lines improve efficiency?
Automation reduces manual handling, improves precision, and boosts production speed. Equipment like automated weighing machines, sorting systems, and conveyor belts streamline processes, reducing human error and operational costs.
How are food preservation systems integrated into processing lines?
Preservation systems such as pasteurisation, refrigeration, and dehydration units are built into food processing lines to ensure the longevity and safety of food products by eliminating pathogens and maintaining freshness.