Cheese preservation methods: Why cheese wax is a leading solution

Different cheese preservation methods

Cheese preservation at an industrial scale requires methods that are not only effective but also scalable and compliant with food safety standards. Here are the primary options for cheese preservation methods:

1. Refrigeration

Refrigeration slows bacterial growth and keeps cheese at a stable temperature.

• Advantages: Straightforward implementation; suitable for fresh cheeses.
   
• Limitations: Energy-intensive and can lead to moisture loss, especially for semi-hard and hard cheeses over long periods.
   

2. Vacuum sealing

Involves removing air from packaging to prevent mould and spoilage.

• Advantages: Effective for many cheese types; extends shelf life significantly.
   
• Limitations: Specialised equipment is required, and vacuum pouches are expensive. Additionally, vacuum sealing can alter the texture of the cheese, as the process traps moisture inside the plastic pouch. Also, vacuum sealing hinders flavour development by preventing natural off-gassing and restricting the ageing process, making it less suitable for cheeses that require maturation to develop their full character.
   

3. Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP)

Replaces the air in the packaging with a controlled gas mixture to inhibit bacterial growth.

• Advantages: Excellent for fresh and semi-hard cheeses; extends shelf life.
• Limitations: High initial investment in machinery; unsuitable for cheeses requiring ageing.
   

4. Cheese wax

Creates a protective, airtight coating around the cheese.

• Advantages: Highly effective for ageing semi-hard and hard cheeses; sustainable and cost-efficient at scale.
• Limitations: Requires equipment for melting and application.

Why cheese wax is ideal for industrial cheese preservation

When evaluated against the challenges of industrial-scale production, cheese wax offers a range of benefits that make it a top choice:

• Long-lasting protection

Cheese wax creates a protective barrier that controls the exchange of air and moisture according to the specific needs of the cheese. Depending on the type of wax used, it can allow minimal airflow to support proper ageing or form a completely airtight seal for long-term storage. This flexibility helps reduce spoilage while maintaining the desired quality of the cheese over extended periods.
 

• Supports natural ageing

For soft, semi-hard and hard cheeses, cheese wax facilitates proper ageing by creating a controlled environment that prevents drying out while allowing flavour development. This is crucial for industrial producers catering to markets that demand aged cheeses with distinct profiles.
 

• Scalability

Cheese wax is easy to integrate into industrial production lines. Automated waxing systems can efficiently wax large quantities of cheese, ensuring consistent quality across batches.
 

• Cost-efficiency

Cheese wax is more affordable over time compared to other methods like vacuum sealing or MAP. Its reusability also reduces waste, making it a cost-effective option for high-volume operations.
 

• Compliance with food safety standards

Procudan’s cheese wax is certified for food safety, ensuring that industrial producers meet regulatory requirements in global markets.
 

• Branding

In addition to its protective benefits, cheese wax enhances the product’s visual appeal. Producers can choose from various wax colours to distinguish product lines, improve shelf presence, and strengthen branding.

Factors to consider for industrial cheese waxing

When adopting cheese wax for industrial preservation, producers should consider:

• Cheese type:

Waxing is most effective for semi-hard and hard cheeses like cheddar, gouda, and edam. Fresh or soft cheeses like pasta filata cheeses can also be waxed with guidance.
 

• Production volume:

For high-volume operations, investing in automated waxing equipment ensures efficiency and scalability.
 

• Application process:

A dedicated wax melting system and applicators are necessary to achieve consistent results.

The Procudan advantage

Procudan’s cheese wax is specifically designed to meet the demands of industrial cheese production. Here’s how we help producers achieve success:

• Custom formulations:

Our wax is tailored to different cheese types and production requirements, ensuring optimal performance.
 

• Sustainability:

We offer 100% natural cheese wax.
 

• Technical support:

From selecting the right wax to optimising application processes, our team is here to help.
 

• Global compliance:

Our wax meets food safety standards, enabling seamless export to international markets.
 

Conclusion: Why cheese wax is often the best choice for industrial producers

For industrial cheese producers, selecting the correct preservation method is crucial to maintaining quality, ensuring efficiency, and meeting market demands. While refrigeration, vacuum sealing, and MAP have their advantages, cheese wax offers a unique combination of protection, scalability, sustainability, and the ability to enhance the cheese’s character. By supporting the natural ageing processes, cheese wax allows flavours and textures to fully develop, making it an ideal choice for large-scale operations that prioritise both preservation and product quality.

At Procudan, we are proud to support industrial cheese producers with premium wax solutions that preserve not just cheese but also the integrity of your brand. Contact us today to learn how our cheese wax can enhance your production processes.

Transform your industrial cheese preservation with Procudan’s cheese wax – the efficient and reliable solution for large-scale operations.