Types of packaging materials for food

Food is something that provides the nutrients, which are necessary for growth and rebuilding the cells of the body and for maintaining the immune system. Healthy, preserved, and germs-free food may help you support muscles, boost immunity lower the risk of cardiac diseases, diabetes, cancer, and many other disorders.

Food packaging

Packaging of the food strengthens food processing, food transportation, and food preservation. Packaging technology keeps an eye on energy and material costs and the protection of food from pollutants.

Food packaging has some principal functions such as food protection from damage, saving the food for a long time, and showing information about the ingredients of food products and it's nutritional value. It also protects the food products from three vital environmental impacts: chemical, biological and physical. Some environmental effects such as exposure to gases, light, and moisture may cause chemical changes in the food items. Many different packaging materials provide a chemical barrier to minimize compositional changes. Glass, metal, and plastic packaging offer a large spectrum of barrier properties.

Biological protection delivers a barrier to pathogens, spoiling agents, insects, rodents, and other animals. Using physical protection mechanical damage is shielded. Packaging, with the help of paperboard and corrugated materials, is used for the packaging of delicate foods such as eggs and fresh fruits.

There are many causes of food wastage like Ineffective preservation, storage, and transportation which are the key reasons behind this. Appropriate packaging extends the shelf-life of the food items. Package labeling help to enhance product identification, the nutritional value of the product, energy level, ingredients details, and producer particulars. Packaging plays a vital role in product access, handling, disposal, and visibility of the food item.

Materials used in packaging

In the process of food distribution and storage, packaging stuff and packaging technology play a significant role. Food packaging involves different materials such as glass, metals, paperboard, and plastics. A vast range of metals like aluminum foil and overlay, tinplate, and tin-free steel is helpful in the packaging of food items. Moreover, both rigid and flexible plastics are part of packaging materials.

Glass

Glass containers with coated-surface are one of the key mediums for food packaging materials. This surface-coated glass eliminates scratching and surface abrasion. It also provides firmness and protects the container from breakage. There are several advantages of using glass as a packaging material.

•             It is inert with food products.

•             It is odorless.

•             It is water-resistant to oxygen and moisture.

•             It can withstand both low-acid and high-acid food items.

•             It is inflexible and gives good insulation.

•             Colored glass protects light-sensitive food contents, and transparent glass provides a better look of food items to the customer.

There are many advantages of using glass in the packing, but there are some disadvantages as well. It adds transportation costs due to its heavy weight. It is susceptible to breakage due to some shock or pressure.

Metal

It is the best form of packaging materials due to its excellent physical protection. Its embellishing potential and recyclability make it attractive for consumer acceptance. Canned foods maintain their level of nutrients and vitamins because there is no use of chemical preservatives. Aluminum and steel are two metals that are the best as packaging materials.

Aluminum

Superior recyclability makes aluminum a popular choice for packaging. It is lightweight as compared to glass and flexible to make a change in its shape. In the packaging industry, it is very famous and simply available. Against organic acids and corrosion, its resistance contributes to its longevity. It protects food contents from environmental influences and maintains its shelf-life. It is a cost-effective and eco-friendly choice for food items. It is easy to mold due to its low melting point and adaptable nature. Pure aluminum metal is rolled into thin sheets to form aluminum foil that can be the best choice in the food packaging industry. Laminates can get by binding aluminum foil to paper or plastic. It is expensive and used in the packaging of high-value foods.

Steel

High-pressure processing techniques are helpful to kill bacteria in steel packaging. Steel packaging is 100 percent impermeable for light, heat, moisture, microorganisms, and gases. Steel as tinplate is best for packaging food.

Tin

When low PH foods are packed in steel cans, there is a chance of corrosion. But tin cans are specially formed by a thin layer of steel sheet upon which there is a coating of tin to protect it from corrosion. These tin cans act as a barrier for moisture, light, heat, and gases.

Plastic

Plastic is friendly in food packaging because of its lightweight, durability, and easy molding ability. It offers adequate mechanical support in the processing and packaging of food. Low cost and energy consumption is needed for the manufacturing of plastic. So it is preferred upon metal and glass packaging. Plastic containers and packaging can protect against food contamination for a long time, and no preservatives are necessary for this. Plastic is easy to handle and open. The manufacturing industries are applying a wide range of plastic resins, resistant to moisture, fats, gases, and odors.

Some widely used plastic resins are as follows

•             Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

•             Polyethylene (PET, HDPE, LDPE)

•             Polystyrene (PS)

•             Ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH)

•             Polyolefin

•             Polyesters

•             Polycarbonate

Cellulose is a transparent film obtained from the cell walls of vegetables and fungi. It is used in the packaging of pastry products.

Paper

Plan paper should not use for packaging. Functional as well as protective properties of paper con are enhanced by the coating or lamination of materials such as waxes or resins. Following are the main types of paper used in packaging.

•             Kraft paper

•             Sulfite paper

•             Greaseproof paper

•             Glassine

•             Parchment paper

Paperboard

Paperboard is formed by multiple layers of paper with a higher weight per unit area than normal paper. It is more stiff and resistant than simple paper. The various types of paperboard are as follows

• Whiteboard

• Solid board

• Chipboard

• Fiberboard

Advancement in packaging techniques has revolutionized the packaging industry. Best packaging always satisfy competing needs, environmental and waste management issues, and cost. It should be attractive, convenient, easy to use, and always maintain the safety and quality of food.