Allowing products to soak in leaked blood and juice can lead to increased spoilage and reduced sales, as they appear less attractive to consumers.
BASF this week said it has received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to sell its new Luquasorb FP 800 product for use in indirect food contact packaging.
The company said Luquasorb is suitable for products such as poultry, meat, fish, fruit and vegetables.
Luquasorb FP 800 is made from crosslinked polyacrylates, which absorb and then bind leaked liquids. The product is sold as granules. The granules can be incorporated as a filler in the manufacture of soaker pads used in packaging.
Absorbed liquids are retained and will not re-leak back into the product or into packaging, even when under pressurized conditions, claims the company.
The ability to absorb large volumes of liquid means only small amounts of the superabsorbent are necessary, reducing both packaging and transport costs, the manufacturer claims.
Luquasorb can also be used in other food plant applications, such as for thickening or absorbing liquid waste, in the event of spillages.
BASF is a worldwide producer of chemicals and packaging, among other activities. The firm has operations in Europe, the US and Asia.