The general four basic functions of packaging are protection, communication, convenience, and containment. But in the battle against food waste and other sustainability challenges, packaging has taken on another responsibility: to help make the supply chain more sustainable.
The new aim of packaging material is:
- Keeping products fresh for a longer period of time/Increasing shelf life
- Reducing unnecessary waste of product and packaging
- Improving/maintaining the quality of product
- Minimizing the risk of pests and contamination (and through that spoilage)
- Reducing or eliminating the use of chemical and harmful products
Intelligent food packaging solutions should not only be what the consumer sees in the supermarket: sustainability needs to start earlier in the supply chain. Let’s take a look at several aspects of smart and sustainable food packaging we work with at Masterpack.
Sustainable packaging techniques and protecting products
In addition to improved marketing and distribution, packaging also helps slow down quality decay.
However, completely eliminating quality loss is impossible. The properties of perishable foods change after processing. On one hand, this can lead to increased quality (due to the ripening of fruits to the desired level) but also to a loss of quality, rendering the products unsellable.
This is where packaging techniques come in: creating a vacuum or a modified atmosphere within the packaging helps maintain and control the quality of the product.
> Find out how we battle food waste with Modified Atmosphere
New materials and reducing plastics
Not only is a lot of food going to waste, the food industry also plays a big role in the over-use of plastic. This is driving the development of alternative materials for products where this is possible, like biodegradable plastics.
For creating and maintaining Modified Atmosphere — or vacuums — however, certain materials are simply required to contain the atmosphere. The packaging needs to have specific barrier properties and maintain seal integrity for the duration of the shelf-life of the product. This doesn’t mean we can’t still improve in this field:
> Find out how we cut back on waste with custom-made liners
Future proof packaging? Get in touch with Masterpack
We are constantly innovating and working on better ways to pack your products — for a better future. Work with us: contact our team to find out what we can do for you!