At Baoding Juye Casing Co., Ltd. , we understand that choosing the right casing format is just as important as choosing the right caliber. For nearly 40 years, we have been supplying premium natural sheep casings to sausage makers around the world in two primary packaging formats: Tubes and Hanks.
Whether you are an artisanal butcher crafting small-batch sausages or a large-scale manufacturer running high-speed production lines, understanding the difference between tubes and hanks will help you select the format that best suits your production needs. This article provides a comprehensive guide to both packaging options.
What Are Hanks?
A hank is the traditional packaging format for natural casings. In the casing industry, a hank refers to a specific length of casing, typically 100 yards (approximately 91.4 meters) . However, hanks can also be supplied in various other lengths – from 60 meters, 70 meters, 80 meters, or even 90 meters, depending on customer requirements.
Sheep casings in hank form are tied into loops (often 4–5 rings per hank) and packed in salt or brine to preserve them. The hanks are then packaged in plastic nets, vacuum pouches, or barrels for shipping.
Key Features of Hanks
- Standard length – Typically 91.4 meters (100 yards) per hank
- Salt-cured preservation – Packed in dry salt or saturated brine
- Traditional format – The most common and economical packaging option
- Flexible packaging – Available in 2 hank, 6 hank, or 10 hank sizes
- Wide availability – Suitable for all calibers and grades
Advantages of Hanks
- Cost-effective – Hanks are generally more economical than tubed casings
- Flexible lengths – Can be supplied in various lengths to suit different production volumes
- Long shelf life – Salted hanks have a shelf life of approximately 1 year or more when stored correctly
- Versatile – Suitable for both small-batch and large-scale production
- Bulk packaging – Can be packed 500 hanks per barrel for efficient shipping
Preparation Tips for Hanks
- Rinse – Rinse the casings thoroughly under cool running water to remove excess salt
- Soak – Soak in cold water for 30 minutes to 2 hours (or overnight for best results)
- Untie carefully – Carefully untie the hank to avoid tangles
- Flush – Flush the inside of each casing with water before use
- Stuff – Load onto your stuffing horn and fill
What Are Tubes?
Tubed casings (also known as pre-tubed casings) are natural casings that have been shirred (mechanically compressed) and threaded onto plastic tubes – either soft tubes or hard tubes. This modern packaging format is designed to make the stuffing process faster, easier, and more efficient.
Types of Tubes
Soft Tubes (Soft Tapes) – Flexible plastic tubes that are easy to handle and ideal for various stuffing equipment. Soft tube casings are typically supplied in 50 cm tubes.
Hard Tubes (Rigid Tubes) – More durable plastic tubes that provide extra support during stuffing. Hard tubes are typically supplied in 33 cm tubes.
Both soft and hard tubes are recyclable and designed for single-use application.
Key Features of Tubes
- Pre-threaded – Casings are already loaded onto plastic tubes
- Ready to use – Minimal preparation required before stuffing
- Reduced tangling – Eliminates the risk of casings tangling during handling
- Time-saving – Significantly reduces preparation and handling time
- Available in soft or hard tubes – To suit different equipment and preferences
Advantages of Tubes
- Faster stuffing – Casings slide directly from the tube onto the stuffing horn
- Less preparation – Tubed casings don’t need as much rinsing or sorting before use
- Reduced tangling – Minimizes handling issues and blowouts
- Improved efficiency – Ideal for high-volume production environments
- Consistent results – Pre-tubed casings help reduce blowouts and improve stuffing yields
- Beginner-friendly – Easier for those new to sausage making
Preparation Tips for Tubes
- Soak – Soak the tubed casings in cold water for approximately 1 hour
- Slide onto nozzle – Slide the soft tube completely onto your stuffing nozzle
- Remove the plastic – Pull the plastic tube backwards to release the casing
- Fill – Begin stuffing immediately – the casing is ready to use
Hanks vs. Tubes: A Quick Comparison
Which Format Is Right for You?
The choice between tubes and hanks depends on your production needs, equipment, and preferences.
Choose Hanks If:
- You are looking for the most cost-effective option
- You have experience handling natural casings
- You produce sausages in smaller batches
- You prefer traditional casing preparation methods
- You need flexible lengths for different production volumes
Choose Tubes If:
- You want to save time on preparation and handling
- You run high-volume or commercial production
- You are new to sausage making and want an easier experience
- You want to minimize tangling and blowouts
- You value convenience and consistency
Our Commitment to Quality
At Baoding Juye Casing Co., Ltd. , we offer both tubes and hanks in a wide range of calibers to suit every sausage making application. Our natural sheep casings are:
- HACCP-certified – Produced under strict food safety controls
- Consistently graded – Available in multiple quality grades
- Precisely calibrated – From 14mm to 30mm+ to suit your recipes
- Halal-certified options – Available upon request
- Globally exported – Serving customers in more than 50 countries
Packaging Options
We offer flexible packaging to meet your specific requirements:
| Format | Packaging |
|---|---|
| Hanks | Vacuum bags, plastic nets, plastic barrels |
| Soft Tubes | E2 boxes, cubes, barrels |
| Hard Tubes | Boxes, jars |
Whether you need 10 hanks or 500 hanks per barrel, we can accommodate your order size and shipping requirements.
Why Choose Baoding Juye Casing?
With nearly 40 years of experience since 1988, Baoding Juye Casing Co., Ltd. is your trusted partner for premium natural sheep casings. We offer:
- Wide caliber range – From 14mm to 30mm+ to suit every application
- Flexible formats – Available in tubes or hanks
- Consistent quality – HACCP-certified production with rigorous quality control
- Global export – Serving customers in more than 50 countries
- Expert support – Our team can help you select the right format and caliber for your specific production needs
From Our Facility to Your Production Line
Whether you prefer the traditional economy of hanks or the convenience and efficiency of tubes, Baoding Juye Casing Co., Ltd. has the natural sheep casings you need.
Contact us today to discuss your specific requirements, request samples, or place an order. Let our packaging expertise support your sausage production success.
Baoding Juye Casing Co., Ltd. – Globally Trusted Natural Casing Expert Since 1988
