Meat & Poultry Processing Materials

Plastics provide valuable contributions to the machinery used in meat and poultry processing (NAICS 3116), offering properties that promote food safety, efficiency, and ease of maintenance.

Industries such as meat and poultry processing, food packaging, food processing machinery, and industrial equipment manufacturing rely on materials such as polyethylene (PE), polyurethane (PU), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), acetal (POM), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), nylon, silicone, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and polycarbonate. These materials exhibit high chemical resistance, moisture resistance, temperature resistance, mechanical strength, cleanability, and durability, as well as some featuring low friction properties and FDA approval. They are used in applications including food-grade conveyor belts, cutting and portioning equipment, sealing and clamping mechanisms, hygiene and sanitation equipment, insulation materials, and protective covers. By selecting the appropriate materials, meat and poultry processing operations can ensure food safety, enhance efficiency, and facilitate easy maintenance.

Properties

FDA-approved
Chemically resistant
Moisture resistant
Temperature resistant
Low friction
Easily sanitizable
Durable

Applications

Food-grade conveyor belts
Packaging materials (vacuum packaging, shrink wrap, stretch films)
Cutting boards
Cutting and portioning equipment
Sealing and clamping mechanisms
Hygiene and sanitation equipment
Insulation materials and protective covers

Industries

Meat and poultry processing
Food packaging
Food processing machinery
Industrial equipment manufacturing
Seafood processing

Meat & Poultry Processing Materials Overview

What materials are used in meat and poultry processing?

Conveyor belts made of polyethylene (PE) or polyurethane (PU) are commonly used to transport meat and poultry products throughout the processing line. These belts are designed to meet strict hygiene standards, are resistant to oils and fats, and can be easily cleaned to maintain food safety.

Cutting and portioning machinery, such as slicers or portioning machines, often incorporate plastic components. These components, made from materials like acetal or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), offer low friction, easy release properties, and can withstand the rigors of continuous operation.

Parts, including seals and clamps, are utilized in equipment used for sealing casings, bags, or trays. Materials like silicone and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) provide excellent sealing properties, resist moisture and chemicals, and comply with food safety regulations.

Machinery used in meat and poultry processing often requires insulation and protective covers to maintain optimal temperatures and protect operators from hot surfaces. Insulation materials like polyurethane foam or expanded polystyrene (EPS) are used, while covers made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polycarbonate offer durability and thermal resistance.

Plastics for meat and poultry processing applications fall under NAICS code #3116.

Meat & Poultry Processing Resources & PDFs

WARNING: The products on this page can expose you to chemicals including N,N-Dimethylformamide, CAS 68-12-2, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to www.p65warnings.ca.gov.

WARNING: The products on this page can expose you to chemicals including METHYLPYRROLIDONE, CAS 872-50-4, which are known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.p65warnings.ca.gov.

WARNING: The products on this page can expose you to chemicals including Bisphenol A, CAS 80-05-7, which are known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.p65warnings.ca.gov.

WARNING: The products on this page can expose you to chemicals including Polyvinyl Chloride, CAS 9002-86-2, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to www.p65warnings.ca.gov.

WARNING: The products on this page can expose you to chemicals including Tetrafluoroethylene, CAS 116-14-3, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to www.p65warnings.ca.gov.

WARNING: The products on this page can expose you to chemicals including Tetrafluoroethylene, CAS 116-14-3, which are known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.p65warnings.ca.gov.

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