Food products have always been a challenge for
the folks in the packaging industry, and now, as more and more types of food
products enter the market, the need for more suitable, more innovative, and
economically sustainable packaging options is more pressing than ever. And the
packaging industry, with all their case sealer and taping machine products,
are all responding eagerly to the need.
Fresh products, such as poultry, meat, and fish
products, are some of the most challenging products when it comes to packaging,
mainly because the packaging should protect the freshness and cleanliness of
the products. In this type of food packaging, cost effectiveness and hygiene
are the most important factors.
But convenient, ready-to-eat food products are
causing the packaging manufacturers a headache as well, especially as concerns
of packaging waste arise. Since these products are easy to consume, they have
become very popular of late, and are therefore some of the biggest contributors
to packaging waste, most of which involves plastic. In this type of packaging,
therefore, the cost effectiveness and the disposal issue should be considered.
And then there’s the additional challenge of
attracting consumers’ attention through well-designed, presentable packaging.
After all, since these products are ready to consume, the packaging should
appeal to buyers at the point of sale.
Latest
Food Packaging Innovations You Should Try
If you’re in the food business, it helps to keep
yourself updated with the latest in food packaging. This will help you find
options that you may want to apply to your business, options that will help you
save money, attract your customers, and at the same time, contribute to the
green movement.
For
fresh meat and poultry
Food trays are some of the presentable types of
food packaging. They are commonly used in keeping meat products, among several
others. In the past, however, food trays were produced using multi-layer
materials to allow sufficient film sealing. But the folks who are advocating
against the use of plastics are not so happy about these multi-layer and laminated
food trays since they are difficult to separate for recycling.
These days, however, there are now mono layer
food trays that are designed for fresh meat and poultry featuring a top sealed
design. Although it is produced from a single layer only, this material offers
improved sealing than those used in the past. And as expected, they are easier
to sort and recycle.
For
ready-to-eat refrigerated meals
New and improved packaging has also been created
for ready-to-eat refrigerated meals. The packaging is made from a biopolymer
material created using high-amylose corn starch. The material is derived from
the annual harvest of genetically modified corn. These trays consist of a
laminated core layer featuring polyethylene for heat sealing and polypropylene
for moisture sealing.
For
food exposed to high temperature
Some food packaging products are also created
using thermo-formable films, which are ideal for food products with high
temperature ranging up to 218 degrees Celsius. These are ideal for food that
needs to be cooked in the oven or in the microwave. The material, however, is
able to retain the aroma, vitamins, minerals, and even that all-too-important
juiciness of the food products.
