Food packaging are quite important to induce food waste. Micro-, macro- and laser perforations are used in packaging to extend shelf life and improve moisture retention of products. All produce has different requirements for shelf-life extension. Coptics laser perforation are made for presh products packaging, and do not affect the packaging’s recyclability.

Below information will show you all the benefits, applications and differences of macro perforation, micro perforation and laser perforation:

1.Macro Perforation

The holes are made by mechanically punching through the film. The punched holes can be a range of sizes : 3mm, 6mm, 8mm or 10mm.

Macro perforation is widely used for packaging fresh fruit and vegetable products including films and bags. It is used mostly for packaging produce that doesn’t require shelf-life extension e.g. potatoes, carrots etc

Macro holes allow for produce to breathe ensuring that food is both protected and preserved with greater efficiency throughout distribution and retail display.Macro-perforation packaging offers similar benefits as those offered by micro-perforated food packaging including allowing minimal moisture to build up.

2. Micro Perforation

The holes are made by a series of pins. Normally they are 1-2mm in size and are made in banks of holes.

Micro-perforation is most often used in packaging for fresh bakery products and pies. It is also commonly used to pack cereals, dry pastas, loose pulses and vegetable products.

Micro-perforations allow surplus moisture to escape, which can provide a shelf-life extension to the product.If vegetables or cereals can be kept fresher for longer, vendors can display products with less wastage and consumers can store them for longer.

3. Laser Perforation

Laser perforation holes are made using a laser. The hole size and position on the packs are customisable. Hole size can vary from 80µm to 160µm.

Laser perforations are used when you want to create Modified Atmosphere Packaging to control the gas composition of a pack. Ideal for Fresh produce, including but not limited to pre-cut vegetable mixes and salad mixes. It is also useful for fresh produce that has a short shelf life e.g. berries.

Laser perforation is a highly effective method for salad packaging because it allows for precise and controlled perforation of the packaging material, ensuring the freshness and quality of the product while also providing an opportunity for branding and marketing.

The respiration unit is a tool used to measure the respiration rates of the fresh produce. This data is then used to customise the transmission rate of the pack via laser perforation. A camera controlled, state of the art laser system creates the micro-perforations and ensures the highest levels of precision and consistency right through the production process.