Did you know the word "salary" comes from the Latin "Sal(t)"? Salt, a common kitchen staple, was such a valuable commodity that army soldiers were sometimes paid with salt instead of money in the Roman Times. This ancient high-value commodity still carries its significance to the present. However, it only matters if it reaches the consumer in the optimal condition.

This is where Salt Packaging enters the picture. The salt packaging industry faces multiple challenges at times due to external factors or sometimes due to salt properties. It needs to go through a troublesome journey to ensure the delivery to the consumer is in its optimal state.

Let's check out some of these key challenges in Salt Packaging.

Key Challenges of Salt Packaging

Moisture Control: 

Salt's hygroscopic nature i.e. its property to absorb and hold water molecules from the air causes clumping and degradation. To avoid this meddling with salt's actual form and purity, the packaging needs to have a strong barrier to moisture ingress, such as desiccant packets. Also, to extend the shelf life of the product the salt packaging machine needs to remove air from the package to minimize moisture exposure.

Material Compatibility:

Salt also has corrosive properties that cause compatibility concerns with certain packaging materials. This fumbles up the ethnicity of the salt. Using multi-layered films of materials like plastics, treated containers, or other non-reactive materials for salt packaging pouches could effectively tackle this issue.

Packaging Accuracy:

Manual operations often cause errors like overfilling or overuse of packaging material. To save on such potential wastage, using automated salt packaging machines with precise dispensing mechanisms is essential. It will ensure each package contains the correct amount of salt. Even small variations in the quantity of the matter filled can impact consumer perception.

Sustainability Concerns: 

With the world being overwhelmed due to pollution the consumer demand for eco-friendly packaging options is on the rise. This requires recyclable or biodegradable packaging solutions that fulfil the essential barrier properties to maintain the integrity of the salt.  In order to make amends for this growing demand, salt packaging solutions must use biodegradable or compostable materials to align with sustainability goals and consumer preferences. 

Regulatory Compliance:

Adhering to safety and industry regulations is vital when implementing automation in the salt packaging industry. This includes the safety regulations regarding labelling, material standards, and contaminant control. Keeping up with evolving regulations and embedding compliance is crucial for avoiding legal challenges and preserving your company's reputation.

Transportation and Storage:

Considering the hygroscopic and corrosive properties of the salt, we have understood the challenges and potential solutions to overcome them. However, going beyond the packaging aspect, salt also needs to go through troublesome times of storage and transportation. The packaging needs to be designed to withstand stacking pressure during storage and transport without damage or contamination.

Multiple Challenges, One Solution: Nichrome

Nichrome is a leading packaging solutions provider and has been delivering innovative and effective solutions to overcome various packaging challenges for several years. Nichrome's advanced salt packaging machines are one of the best solutions to address these challenges.

SALTPACK, Nichrome’s Vertical Form Fill Seal (VFFS) Machine is a high-speed packaging solution for the salt industry. It is a robust machine engineered with an open construction, and high-grade materials designed for salt handling, ensuring durability and ease of maintenance. Its low running cost is ensured by a CE-marked PLC housed in a dust-tight electrical panel, delivering precise and dependable machine control.

Also, for a stick pack pouch packaging, Nichrome offers MULTILANE STICKPACK with Volumetric Multiple Cavity Filler. It caters to the salt packaging needs of food chains and travel and hospitality industries.

With Nichrome's Salt Packaging Solutions, you get enhanced efficiency and product safety, consistent precision and quality, cost-effective operations and even versatility in packaging options. It also offers a user-friendly interface that simplifies operation and control. These features bring ease and convenience into salt packaging by overcoming all the challenges.

Conclusion