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Home / News / Industry News / The science of air removal in vacuum plastic kitchen containers is a critical component

The science of air removal in vacuum plastic kitchen containers is a critical component

One of the fundamental aspects that sets vacuum plastic kitchen containers apart from conventional food storage solutions is their ability to efficiently remove air from the storage environment. Air removal is a crucial step in the vacuum sealing process, and it plays a pivotal role in preserving the freshness and quality of stored food. 
The Role of Air in Food Spoilage:
Air, which predominantly consists of oxygen and moisture, is a primary catalyst for food spoilage. When food is exposed to air, several chemical and biological reactions come into play, accelerating the degradation of food items. Understanding the role of air in food spoilage is crucial to appreciate the significance of its removal within vacuum plastic kitchen containers:
Oxidation Reactions: Oxygen, present in the air, is a key factor in the oxidation of fats, proteins, and other essential nutrients found in food. Oxidation results in the breakdown of these compounds, leading to changes in taste, color, and texture. Vacuum plastic containers remove oxygen from the equation, effectively slowing down the oxidation process.
Microbial Growth: Air contains moisture, which is essential for the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, molds, and yeast. These microorganisms can thrive in moist environments, leading to spoilage, foodborne illnesses, and unpleasant odors. By reducing moisture through the vacuum sealing process, vacuum plastic containers inhibit microbial growth.
The Air Removal Process:
The air removal process in vacuum plastic kitchen containers is a carefully engineered mechanism designed to create a controlled environment within the container. It involves several key steps:
Sealing Mechanism: Vacuum plastic containers are equipped with a specialized sealing mechanism. This mechanism ensures a secure and airtight seal between the container's lid and its base. The quality and design of this sealing mechanism are critical factors in the efficiency of air removal.
Attachment of the Lid: Once food items are placed inside the container, the lid is securely attached to the base. This attachment is crucial to maintaining the integrity of the container's interior.
Activation of the Vacuum Pump: The air removal process begins with the activation of a vacuum pump or a handheld device. This device is connected to the container and serves the purpose of creating a vacuum within.
Extraction of Air: As the vacuum pump operates, it starts removing air from the container. This reduction in air pressure creates a low-pressure environment within the container.
Pressure Differential and Airtight Seal:
The key to air removal within vacuum plastic kitchen containers lies in the pressure differential created between the inside and outside of the container. This differential stems from the reduced air pressure inside the container. Key points to consider include:
Pressure Differential: By extracting air from the container, a significant pressure differential is established. This means that the force exerted by air molecules outside the container is greater than that within, resulting in a net inward force. This inward force effectively presses the container's lid tightly against the base, maintaining an airtight seal.
Airtight Seal Maintenance: The airtight seal is crucial in preventing the re-entry of air and moisture. As long as the pressure inside the container remains lower than the external pressure, the seal remains intact, safeguarding the stored food from the detrimental effects of oxygen and moisture.
The Impacts of Air Removal:
The efficient removal of air within vacuum plastic kitchen containers leads to several tangible benefits:
Extended Shelf Life: Without oxygen and excess moisture, the deterioration of food is significantly slowed. This results in an extended shelf life for a wide range of food items, reducing waste and saving money.
Preservation of Freshness: The absence of air means that food retains its natural freshness, taste, and aroma. Vacuum-sealed items closely resemble their freshly prepared counterparts.
Reduced Risk of Foodborne Illness: Vacuum sealing inhibits the growth of harmful microorganisms, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses associated with microbial contamination.
Minimized Nutrient Loss: The controlled environment created by air removal helps preserve the nutritional content of stored food items by minimizing nutrient degradation through oxidation.



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