Packaging

TL;DR: Packaging is essential for food protection, preservation, transfer, communication and marketing. Common materials include plastics, paper, paperboard, metal and glass. Sustainable packaging materials and smart packaging technologies are gaining traction.

Abstract: Packaging is a key component of the food systems since it protects and preserves products, while enabling its transfer and allows communication and marketing to the consumer. Common packaging materials for food items include plastics, paper, paperboard, metal and glass. Sustainable packaging materials such as bio-based materials, either synthesized or naturally derived, are gaining popularity due to national and corporate efforts in the packaging industry. Key properties of packaging materials include gas barrier, mechanical, thermal, physical, rheological, and optical attributes. Use of smart packaging technologies such as modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), active packaging (AP), and intelligent packaging (IP) to improve the quality and safety of foods along food value chains is expanding. Through continued research and innovation, packaging will continue to evolve, meeting the ever-increasing demands of the food industry and consumers.