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Food-Grade Static Polypropylene Twines for the Global Meat Processing Industry
Food-grade static twines are indispensable in modern meat processing. Designed and certified according to European food safety standards, they guarantee hygiene, durability, and efficiency during smoking, drying, maturation, storage, and bundling.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Key Benefits: durable, rot-resistant, and fully compliant with Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 and Commission Regulation (EU) No 10/2011.
- Applications: used for suspending carcasses, long-term storage, curing, and drying meat products.
- Certifications: fully traceable and tested for safety, adhering to EU standards.
- Physical Properties: high tensile strength, low water absorption, and reliable temperature resistance (−55 °C to +82 °C).
Whether securing heavy carcasses or drying smaller cuts, these twines combine safety, compliance, and ease of use for meat processors worldwide.
Technical Specifications
Safety Certifications
Our food-grade polypropylene twines are certified for direct contact with food and comply with:
- Commission Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 – covering plastic materials and articles intended for food contact.
- FSSC 22000 – a globally recognised food safety management certification, based on ISO standards and accepted by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI).
Physical Properties
Our polypropylene twines are built to handle tough conditions, with properties that ensure durability and reliability:
Property | Value | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
Tensile Strength | up to 22 kN (~2,200 kgf) | Withstands heavy meat loads without snapping |
Water Absorption | < 0.01% (24h) | Prevents moisture-related wear and tear |
Temperature Range | −55 °C to +82 °C | Reliable during curing and cooling |
Weight | ~34% lighter than polyester | Easier handling, lower transport costs |
These features ensure durability even under the most demanding processing conditions.
Sanitation Features
Polypropylene twines are developed with hygiene as a priority:
- Bacterial Resistance – smooth structure reduces bacterial adhesion.
- Chemical Stability – resistant to disinfectants, cleaning agents, and sanitizers.
- Low Water Uptake – prevents mold, stains, and microbiological contamination.
This ensures compliance with HACCP principles and supports food safety systems in both EU and non-EU markets.
Processing Applications
Polypropylene Twine in Carcass Handling
Properly suspending meat during transportation, maturation, and drying is essential for maintaining quality. Polypropylene twines excel in this regard due to their water resistance, which prevents moisture absorption and reduces the risk of degradation over extended aging periods.
Here’s a quick guide to choosing the right twine for different types of meat and processes:
Product Type | Recommended Tensile Strength | Best For |
|---|---|---|
Heavy carcasses and cured meats | ~200 kgf | Long-term aging |
Medium cuts | ~160 kgf | Standard drying and handling |
Light products | ~120 kgf | Quick processing |
Polypropylene twines are often combined with stockinettes, which are food-grade tubular nets that can be put over the carcasses preventing moisture loss and protecting the carcasses during transportation. More information can be found here:
Product Options
Ready-Made Solutions
For efficient meat processing, pre-cut and pre-knotted options offer convenience and precision while meeting strict food safety requirements.
- Pre-cut twines: delivered in exact lengths, minimising waste and eliminating on-site cutting.
- Pre-knotted twines: ensure consistent, sturdy knots, making them perfect for large-scale operations where reliability is key.
Size and Color Options
To complement ready-made solutions, a variety of sizes and colours are available to suit specific processing needs.
Colours (white, blue, green, yellow) support process organisation across facilities.
Additionally, custom thickness options are available, ranging from fine twines for delicate products (1–2 strands) to heavy-duty twines (3–4 strands) for industrial-grade tasks. Every option meets strict food safety standards and ensures reliable performance.
1 or 2-strand
- Strength: 1 or 2 strands
- Yarn: polypropylene
- Color: white, blue, green, yellow
- Meat: ligth carcasses - porc, lamb, sheep
3-strand
- Strength: 3 strands
- Yarn: polypropylene
- Color: white, blue, green, yellow
- Meat: medium carcasses - pork, lamb, sheep
4-strand
- Strength: 4 strands
- Yarn: polypropylene
- Color: white, blue, green, yellow
- Meat: heavy carcasses - beef
Advantages of Polypropylene Twine for Meat Processors
Production Efficiency
Production efficiency in meat processing is closely tied to minimising downtime and speeding up handling. Polypropylene twines support this in several ways:
- Faster handling and transport – carcasses tied with polypropylene twine are easier to lift, move, and suspend during both internal and external transport.
- Consistency and repeatability – pre-cut and pre-knotted twines ensure uniform tying, reduce manual handling, and improve throughput speed on the line.
- Lower costs vs. hooks – polypropylene twine replaces expensive and rigid metal hooks, offering the same strength with greater flexibility and easier handling.
Together, these factors reduce stoppages, improve throughput, and keep processes running smoothly — directly contributing to higher production efficiency.
Safety Compliance
Certified food-grade twines meet European food safety standards, ensuring they’re safe for direct contact with meat products. Their high material purity minimises the risk of chemical migration, while resistance to bacterial growth and ease of sanitisation help prevent contamination.
Safety Aspect | Benefit to Processors |
|---|---|
Material Purity | Prevents chemical leaching during contact with food products |
Contamination Prevention | Resists bacterial growth and is easy to sanitize |
Traceability | Supports food safety documentation requirements |
Risk Mitigation | Lowers the chance of recalls and regulatory violations |
Conclusion: European Standards for Global Trust
Food-grade polypropylene twines certified under European regulations provide processors worldwide with peace of mind. EU standards are among the strictest internationally, ensuring both food safety and regulatory compliance.
Although certified in Europe, these standards are globally respected and often exceed local requirements. This makes polypropylene twines a trusted choice for processors across Europe and in international markets.
By combining strength, hygiene, and certification, they support efficient and safe meat processing operations wherever they are used.
FAQs
How do food-grade polypropylene twines ensure safety and compliance in meat processing?
Food-grade polypropylene twines are certified for food contact under EC 1935/2004 and EU 10/2011, confirming their suitability for direct use with food products. Together with FSSC 22000 certification, they guarantee compliance, traceability, and hygienic handling across global supply chains.
Can polypropylene twines be reused in meat processing, and how can their hygiene and durability be maintained?
Although we do not recommend it, polypropylene twines can be reused in meat processing, provided they remain in good condition and meet hygiene requirements. To keep them in top shape, it’s essential to follow proper cleaning and maintenance routines. Clean and sanitise the twines thoroughly after each use to avoid bacterial growth and contamination.
Store them in a clean, dry place to protect against moisture and dirt. Before reusing, always inspect the twines for signs of wear or damage to ensure they retain their strength and food-contact safety.