Food Packaging Industry faces challenges amid new regulations

The passing of several regulations governing food packaging only reinforces the need for more innovative and intelligent packaging concepts.

04/11/05 The rising emphasis on improved quality and extended shelf life for packaged foods are leading to greater demands on food packaging in terms of protecting the quality, freshness and safety of foods. The passing of several regulations governing food packaging only reinforces the need for more innovative and intelligent packaging concepts.

Many of the regulations have come into force due to rising health concerns regarding carcinogenic ingredients used in the packaging materials. For example, bisphenol-A used in plastic food containers is being linked to breast cancer and miscarriages. Other regulations require food packages to use biodegradable and environment-friendly material.

The most significant is the European Commission's proposed Super Regulation that compels the food packaging industry to use only those materials mentioned in the positive list of permissible ingredients for making plastics. The European Commission also stated in January 2004 that manufacturers would have to stop using semicarbazide in sealants for glass jars and bottles by October 2005.

"These regulations will spur advancements in the food packaging industry as manufacturers now have additional responsibilities for proving the suitability of their packaging solutions and meeting the required standards," explains Technical Insights (http://technicalinsights.frost.com) Research Analyst Kasturi Nadkarny.

In a bid to promote environment-friendly packages, Denmark-based Danisco has launched a plasticizer produced from hardened castor oil and acetic acid. It is colourless, odourless, and completely biodegradable and is also highly effective in softening plastics and increasing its flexibility.

At present, 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.

A new type of flexible beverage pack for noncarbonated water, offers advantages such as ease in opening and non-spill characteristics. It also ensures on-shelf differentiation and is an ideal give-away pack at events.

The material used in the packaging is useful especially for packaging noncarbonated potable water. The barrier property of the material, which possesses both chemical and organoleptic certification, also ensures that water remains pure and fresh for a longer period of time.

A new innovative carton introduced by leading Norwegian dairy manufacturer Elopak guarantees to change the way milk is packaged. The curve present on the carton, called the 5th panel, indicates the flavour of the milk present inside the carton.

The increasing demand for premium packaging and a packaging system that offers real added value has led German-based Nordenia International to develop the FlexZiBox that can be custom developed for a particular application. It is square in shape and includes a front slider that controls the opening and closing of the packaging ensuring that food remains fresh for prolonged time intervals.

With the increasing health consciousness among consumers, food packaging is also more inclined towards aspects such as ensuring food safety through control of the environment within the package and minimizing damage resulting from microbial attack.

Researchers at the University of Leeds a nanomanufacturing institute, United Kingdom, have identified nanoparticles of magnesium oxide and zinc oxide to be effective in destroying microorganisms. This shows huge potential for safe, effective and affordable food packaging in the near future.

Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) is also emerging as a highly useful packaging technique for maintaining food quality by altering the atmospheric conditions within the package.

The Foundation for Scientific and Industrial Research at the Norwegian Institute of Technology (SINTEF) is attempting to use nanotechnology to develop plastic film that provide barrier protection by preventing gases such as oxygen and ethylene from damaging the food content.

Frost & Sullivan, a global growth consulting company, has been partnering with clients to support the development of innovative strategies for more than 40 years. The company's industry expertise integrates growth consulting, growth partnership services and corporate management training to identify and develop opportunities. Frost & Sullivan serves an extensive clientele that includes Global 1000 companies, emerging companies, and the investment community, by providing comprehensive industry coverage that reflects a unique global perspective and combines ongoing analysis of markets, technologies, econometrics, and demographics.

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/051102/uktu028.html?.v=3