Exploring the advantages of susceptor films

Exploring the advantages of susceptor films

Susceptor films are commonly used in the food industry to package foods – particularly those that require heating in the microwave. Known for a number of qualities, how do susceptor films work, and what advantages do they offer?

How do susceptor films work?

Susceptor films are able to absorb electromagnetic energy which is converted into heat. Typically, this electromagnetic energy is found in microwave radiation, which is the process by which microwave cooking takes place. Susceptor film allows food packaged within it to absorb the microwaves which penetrate the packaging.

Because of these excellent heat radiation properties, susceptor films are often laminated onto the papers or boards used for packaging foods that are heated in the microwave. They are typically laminated to the inside of such packaging, and may not necessarily be visible from the outside.

Although metallic in look, our susceptor films are totally microwave safe (the aluminum layer in our susceptor film and board is microscopically thin and therefore it is totally microwave safe because it doesn’t create an environment that allows sparks). Our susceptor film can also be used as a standalone product – as the primary packaging for cereals, for example.

Susceptor films

In the microwave, the susceptor film allows temperature levels to rise and pass to foods either by the process of infrared radiation or by conduction.

Although microwaving allows foods to get nice and hot, the process of microwaving by itself won’t typically give foods the attractive, lightly browned or crisp finishes that makes food look (and taste) more appetizing. Susceptor films, therefore, can be particularly advantageous as they can support adding these looks and textures to microwavable foods.

Susceptor films are often used by brands that produce foods where a little browning or crisping makes the product look more tantalizing (think nuggets, pastries or pies). Microwave chips for example, look all the more enticing with a little color, making them more reminiscent of a restaurant-style finish, and susceptor film can add just that touch, even though the product has only been heated in the microwave.

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