Global Advances in Food Packaging

Abstract

Social Trends Drives the Need for Portion Packaging

Convenience is the latest buzz word in the food packaging industry with consumers on the constant look out for ready to eat meals. Changing demographics are also leading to a new perspective on food packaging, with manufacturers developing packages that cater to single and two-person households. Rising income, changing lifestyles and technology, as well as the widespread popularity of microwaveable foods is driving the use of portion and plastic packaging. In the future, partnerships between the food processor and the packaging industry are likely to be a crucial step toward more rigid, stable, and resalable packages.

This Frost & Sullivan research service analyzes the latest trends and advances in food packaging technologies. It discusses the commonly used packaging materials such as glass, plastics, light metals, and paperboard and throws light on certain food packaging techniques namely aseptic active, controlled atmosphere storage, and modified atmosphere packaging. In addition to identifying key technology drivers and industry challenges, participants can identify potential collaborators, stay ahead of the competition, and keep abreast with critical developments.

Modified Atmospheric Packaging Shows Growth Potential

The food packaging industry is realizing that with the increasing health consciousness among consumers, understanding the interactions between the food, package, and the environment are essential for more efficient food packaging solutions. "Multidimensional functionality is the key goal in the packaging industry today," observes the analyst of this research service. "Packaging is now more inclined toward aspects such as increasing shelf life, ensuring food safety through control of the environment within the package, and minimizing damage resulting from microbial attack."

Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) is emerging as a highly useful packaging technique for maintaining food quality by altering the atmospheric conditions within the package. This is particularly advantageous for packaging fresh food such as red meat, for which the shelf life is extended from four to more than seven days. Intelligent food packaging is likely to gain ground with advancements in biotechnology, immunotechnology, and enzyme technologies.

Greater Focus on Design Appeal of Consumer Packaging

Today, manufacturers of food packaging solutions are not only focusing on developing economic and effective packages for protecting the food products, but also on the aesthetic value of the packages. For example, light metal food packaging that uses aluminum and steel offers greater mechanical stability and rigidity. It is also more appealing due to glossiness and classic looks coupled with excellent printability.

"Packages are now serving to actually influence the consumers final purchase decision," explains the analyst. "Appealing packages not only garner consumer attention for new products, but also revitalize and alter the perception about an existing brand."