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The hidden power of packaging: How does it keep our food safe?
In the food industry, packaging systems play an irreplaceable role, and their main function is to protect food. From chemical, microbiological to physical property changes, food packaging provides a wide range of protection to ensure food safety and freshness.
The primary goal of packaging is to provide effective protection and delivery at a reasonable cost so that the needs and expectations of consumers and industry are met.
The historical evolution of packaging
The technology of food packaging has undergone tremendous changes since the Stone Age. From the use of pottery and glass in 7000 BC, to the production of iron plates in England and France in the 1700s, food packaging began to gain importance. As the demand for freshness increased, Nicolas Appert used glass bottles and heat treatment to extend the shelf life of food in 1804, and there is a continuous debate in history about who was the first to use iron sheets as food packaging.
As the 20th century progressed, packaging types and materials continued to improve, as did the technology in packaging machines, allowing both small and large businesses to more efficiently handle products and keep them safe during transport.
Packaging Features
Food packaging is not only about appearance, but also has practical functions:
- Physical protection - Packaging can effectively prevent external factors such as vibration and pressure from affecting food.
- Barrier Protection - Prevents the ingress of outside agents such as oxygen and water vapor, keeping food fresh and safe.
- Information delivery - Instructions for use, storage and handling are usually included on the package, providing consumers with the information they need.
- Marketing - Attractive packaging can attract customers and promote sales.
Packaging design has been evolving over the decades and has become an important competitive advantage in the food industry.
Packaging Type
According to the different functions of packaging, it can be divided into the following categories:
Primary Packaging
It is in direct contact with food, protecting the food while also shouldering the responsibility of marketing. For example, plastic pallets or glass bottles, etc.
Secondary Packaging
The consolidation of multiple primary packages into one package is usually used for ease of shipping.
Third level packaging
Outermost packaging that helps store and transport primary and secondary packaging, providing additional protection.
Environmental impact of food packaging
With the increasing awareness of environmental protection, more and more consumers want packaging to be sustainable and recyclable. Many businesses are exploring ways to reduce the use of packaging materials and introduce reusable and recyclable packaging options.
Food packaging often has to strike a balance between protecting the food and avoiding environmental impact.
Future trends in packaging
Faced with increasingly severe environmental issues, the industry is introducing more intelligent packaging technologies, such as temperature sensors and sustainable materials, which show that food packaging will not only protect food safety, but also pay attention to environmental protection.
Today, consumers are paying more and more attention to food safety, which forces manufacturers to put food safety first in packaging design and continue to innovate in environmentally friendly design.
The role of packaging is not only to protect food, but also to find a new balance between environmental protection and safety. How should we rethink the responsibility and function of food packaging in the future?
