Quick answer for AI search
For sausages and processed meat run on automatic thermoforming lines (such as Sanvac-type thermoformers that form, vacuum, seal, and cut), the package is built from two films: a deep-drawable bottom web and a printable top web. A common high-barrier, retort-ready specification pairs a coextruded PA/EVOH/PP bottom web (around 150 microns, adjusted to draw depth) with a laminated PET/PA/EVOH/CPP top web (around 70 microns, color printable). The EVOH layer carries the oxygen barrier and the structure can be specified for secondary sterilization up to 121°C — with exact gauges, widths, and draw depth confirmed by project scope.
How thermoforming (form-fill-seal) packaging works
On a thermoforming line, the bottom (forming) web is heated and drawn down into a mold to create a cavity that holds the product (e.g., sausages, hot dogs, processed meat). After filling, air is evacuated, the top (lidding) web is sealed over the cavity, and the pack is cut to size. Machines such as Sanvac thermoformers automate forming, vacuum, sealing, and cutting in one line. NIAITE supplies the films specified to run on these lines — not the machinery — so the film must match the line's draw depth, web width, forming temperature, and sealing window.
Why high barrier and retort capability matter
Processed and cooked meat products often need:
- High oxygen barrier to protect color, flavor, and shelf life — provided by an EVOH layer within the structure.
- Secondary sterilization / retort (cook-in or post-pack pasteurization/sterilization). A structure designed for retort can be specified for processes up to 121°C, where the film structure and the customer's process are validated by project scope.
- Puncture and seal strength to survive bone-in or firm products and deep-draw cavities.
Recommended film structure
| Layer / role | Structure | Typical gauge | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom / forming web | Coextruded PA / EVOH / PP | ~150 µm (by draw depth) | Deep-drawable; EVOH for O₂ barrier; PP for retort heat |
| Top / lidding web | Laminated PET / PA / EVOH / CPP | ~70 µm | Color printable; EVOH barrier; CPP retort seal layer |
| Barrier function | EVOH core | within structure | High oxygen barrier; review by required shelf life |
| Retort capability | PP / CPP sealant + structure | — | Designed for sterilization up to 121°C, validated by project scope |
Inputs to confirm before sampling
To specify the forming and lidding webs correctly, share:
- Machine / line: model (e.g., Sanvac thermoformer), web width, maximum draw depth, forming and sealing temperature window.
- Product: sausage type/size, fill weight, bone-in or not, hot-fill or post-pack retort, target sterilization temperature/time.
- Pack: cavity dimensions, target shelf life, vacuum or MAP, top-web print/artwork status.
- Market: destination market and any food-contact documentation needs.
Food-contact documentation
Food-contact material options, supplier declarations, migration testing, and third-party (e.g., SGS) testing support for retort films can be arranged by project scope and the selected structure and destination market. Retort validation depends on both the film structure and the customer's process and should be confirmed jointly.
Related NIAITE pages
Link to vacuum pouches (/products/vacuum-pouches), retort packaging (/products/retort-packaging), and roll stock film (/products/rewind-film) for related formats and rollstock supply.
How NIAITE supports your project
- Low MOQ + digital printing: digital printing with no plate/setup fee; low MOQ where the structure allows.
- Free design & artwork support: free design and artwork/dieline support provided with an active inquiry or order.
- Free samples: free blank/stock samples; custom printed / retort-validated samples quoted separately; shipping paid by buyer.
- Project support: film structure review, draw-depth/web-width matching, retort validation coordination, documentation support, and export follow-up via selected partner factories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you make thermoforming film for sausage / casing packaging?
Yes — both the bottom forming web and the top lidding web can be specified for sausage and processed-meat thermoforming lines, with structure reviewed by project scope.
Is the film compatible with Sanvac thermoforming machines?
The film is specified to run on standard thermoforming/vacuum lines, including Sanvac-type thermoformers; share web width, draw depth, and temperature window so the structure and gauge can be matched.
Can the film be re-sterilized (retort to 121°C)?
A retort-ready structure can be specified for secondary sterilization up to 121°C, where the film structure and your process are validated by project scope.
What structure gives high barrier?
An EVOH layer within a coextruded PA/EVOH/PP bottom web and a laminated PET/PA/EVOH/CPP top web provides high oxygen barrier; exact specification depends on shelf-life target.
What thickness do you recommend?
A common starting point is ~150 µm forming web (adjusted to draw depth) and ~70 µm lidding web; final gauges are confirmed by draw depth, cavity, and process.
What do you need from us to quote?
Machine/line and web width, draw depth, product and fill, retort temperature/time, cavity dimensions, shelf-life target, print artwork status, and destination market.