Within the Food Processing Aids Division, Concentrol has extensive experience in the design and production of chemical solutions for the food industry. We have surface treatments for cheeses to guarantee optimum packaging and transport, as well as auxiliary products related to food safety and hygiene.
Cheese coatings play a very important role in the quality and appearance of the final product. These coatings, applied to the cheese rind during its maturation process, regulate and favor the curing and maturation process and, with the addition of authorized preservatives, offer fungicidal protection against molds and yeasts. With its use, superficial cracking is also avoided and the final appearance of the cheese is improved.
There are two types of coatings for cheese, natural coatings and plastic coatings. Natural coatings are formulated to be edible together with the cheese, offering greater breathability that accelerates ripening and gives it a natural, artisanal look. Plastic coatings, on the other hand, form an inedible film on the surface of the cheese, completely non-toxic, which does not penetrate into the product and regulates the ripening process without influencing the smell or taste of the treated piece.
At Concentrol we develop high-quality plastic coatings and natural coatings that act before, during and after the ripening stage, regulating moisture loss and protecting the cheese against the involuntary growth of microorganisms such as molds and yeasts. They also protect the cheese from material damage during transport and allow a specific final aspect such as color or texture to be obtained.
One of the problems that plastic coatings may leave traces on cheese wedge cuts when the elasticity of the coating is not adequate for the temperature at which the cut is made. Descaling causes the appearance of unwanted plastic residues in the product, which affect the appearance of the cheese. That is why it is important to have a good control of the elasticity of the coating, since it is a key element for producers who make sliced cheese wedges.
To optimize production for cheese producers and to have absolute control over the quality of the cheese, we have developed VIPLAST® plastic coatings. Concentrol vertically integrates the manufacturing of the coating, allowing precise control of its elasticity, drying speed and resistance to humidity and vacuum packaging. In this way, the range of VIPLAST® plastic coatings fits perfectly to the needs of the cutting and packaging process, without the risk of peeling during cutting.
VIPLAST® plastic coatings can be tailored to the interests of the cheese producer, taking into account the wedge cutting temperature of the piece, and with the option of adding preservative mixtures based on natamycin, sorbates and other food additives that provide protection against mold and yeasts in cheese. We also have an extensive catalog of colors adapted to all application systems to meet the specific needs of our customers.
All VIPLAST® plastic coatings are non-toxic and comply with Regulation (EU) No. 10/2011 of direct contact with food and the German standard BfR Chapter XIV, part B.
If you would like to know more about Concentrol’s VIPLAST® food coating range, contact us and our technical-sales team will study your needs in detail in order to provide customized solutions.
