How to choose cheese wax with focus on the entire production process

The big picture is the key to the right decision

When evaluating cheese waxes, it is important to consider how the properties of the wax affect the entire production process. Properties such as viscosity, solidification point, hardness and flexibility play a key role in how the wax works in practice and contributes to efficient and economical production.

For example, viscosity affects the thickness of the wax layer. This means that viscosity determines how much wax is used at a given temperature and how the wax flows through a pump system, for example. A wax with the right viscosity can ensure a stable and even wax layer. 

What should be considered when comparing cheese waxes?

When the entire production process is seen as a whole, it is relevant to look at:

1. Energy consumption
   A wax with a low melting temperature and short cooling time can help reduce overall energy consumption in production
    
2. Production speed
   If the wax melts and solidifies quickly, it can increase plant capacity and reduce waiting time
    
3. Waste 
   A wax with good adhesion and protection can reduce waste caused by mould or dryness
    
4. Logistical requirements
   Lower wax consumption with the same effect can reduce the need for storage and handling
    
5. Equipment and maintenance
   A wax with the right properties can minimise wear and make cleaning easier
    
6. Support during start-up and testing
   Offering technical support and testing guidance makes it easier to implement the wax quickly and correctly

In addition, there are always additional factors for each manufacturer that can also be important to consider. Factors such as:

• Type of waxing equipment
  The choice of wax should be optimised for your specific facility
   
• The production environment
  When the wax and process match your temperature and humidity conditions, consistent application and curing is ensured
   
• Transport requirements
  A wax with the right protective properties can support both storage and transport - before and after packaging

Only by assessing the production process with all its parts, you can make the best possible decision when choosing cheese wax.

It pays to consider the entire production from the start

Our experience with customers shows time and time again that the right choice of cheese wax creates significant improvements in production:

1. Customer: Faster melting and lower temperatures
   A customer experienced significant savings after switching to ProCera® cheese wax. The wax melted faster, which meant the customer could start waxing the cheeses without unnecessary waiting time. At the same time, the fast melting made it possible to lower the temperature of the waxing equipment, which resulted in a significant reduction in energy consumption.
    
2. Customer: Reduced need for cooling
   Switching to ProCera® cheese wax enabled a customer to shorten the cooling process. This meant that the existing cooling tunnel could handle a larger volume without the need to invest in additional cooling capacity.
    
3. Customer: Increased production capacity 
   A customer found that the waiting time to melt the wax was significantly reduced. This resulted in faster start-up and the ability to produce more cheese, almost doubling the daily capacity.

Make it easy to make the right choice with our checklist

We have compiled our experience and created a five-step checklist that provides a simple and structured overview of the most important parameters you should consider when thinking about the entire production process.

Fill out the form below and get the checklist sent to your inbox.

If you have any questions about the checklist or need advice for your specific production, please feel free to contact Sales Manager for ProCera®, Carsten L. Christensen directly.