POWDER PACKAGING SOLUTIONS FROM NICHROME
The powder packaging market is growing fast. Whether it be ground masalas or milk powder, drink mixes or nutraceutical products, flour or pre-mixes, there is a huge amount of food, pharma and other powders out there, all waiting to be packed in safe, accurate and hygienic packs. As convenience products become increasingly popular, we can expect more products and varying package formats for products like spice blends, instant coffee and its variants, drink mixes, protein powders, sweeteners, etc. Challenges of powder packaging When choosing a powder packaging machine, or even when providing a powder packaging solution, it is essential to study and understand the pertinent characteristics of the specific powder application. Different powders come with their own challenges. Some are free-flowing, others are not. Some, like flour, cause a dusty environment. Certain powders like agrochemicals can turn explosive with certain gases and an electrical spark. Product changeovers can also cause cross-contamination issues. Some aspects to be considered when choosing a powder packaging machine are: Is the powder free-flowing? Products such as table salt or sugar flow freely when dispensed, and do not compact when extra pressure is added. Is the powder non-free-flowing? These tend to be cohesive and compact under pressure. These include products like brown sugar, powdered milk. How dusty is the powder? Products like flour, when dispensed, form a cloud of dust that travels far and clings to every surface in the vicinity. These airborne particles can cause serious mechanical issues.