ViskoTeepak and TOMRA Sorting Food decided to join forces in order to develop a casing solution that would make it easier for sausage producers to detect pieces of casing in peeling operations, while still being able to track the color formation of the sausage during processing. The result of this synergy is a completely new patent pending innovation in the world of casing and casing detection.

At IFFA 2016 ViskoTeepak and TOMRA will present their new innovations, some truly revolutionizing for the industry. Visitors will find them centrally located in Hall 4.0 at Booth B10.

In the production of skinless sausages, it is essential to guarantee that all fragments of the casing are removed from the surface of the sausages after peeling. ViskoTeepak has therefore developed a special casing type “Wienie-Pak D-Tech” that allows producers to verify that the casings are completely removed.

This type of casing contains a special component in the full body of the casing. This component leaves the casing fully transparent in normal conditions, but becomes detectable in combination with TOMRA’s Genius optical sorting machine.

During the processing of the sausages, the color formation of the sausages can be followed as in regular clear casing and at the same time becomes detectable while implementing TOMRA’s special optical module.

The innovation can be used to produce skinless type sausages of all types, including frankfurters, hot dogs, mini-salamis and much more.

“The biggest advantage is the fact that this casing allows for full automation of the detection and eventually the separation process with the correct sorting equipment,” explains Marc Vrijsen, Business Line Director at ViskoTeepak.

“Combining TOMRA’s Genius sorter with ViskoTeepaks’ D-Tech development, doesn’t only allow for casing detection but it is also possible to sort on size and other quality deviations such as color” says Bjorn Thumas, Director Business Development at TOMRA Sorting Food.

“TOMRA’s Genius sorter can process up to 5 tons per hour and is equipped with high-end technology enabling to detect good sausages and hotdogs from bad ones, including defects such as too light, too long, too short, attached and loose casing.”

Bjorn continues: “The requirements in food safety will continue to increase. TOMRA can now, together with ViskoTeepak, provide the most complete range of cellulose casing detection to help reduce the exposure of manufacturers. We take these concerns seriously and, by doing so, provide support for a long term sustainable business.”

Marc explains that another benefit is the labor cost saving, since less workers are needed in the peeling/packaging section.

The innovation was thoroughly tested at a major German producer of salami snacks and the results were convincing. Shortly after, the customer decided to switch to D-Tech casing and TOMRA sorting technology.