Why is food packaging an important part of the Food Manufacturing and Distribution Process?
You must know the different types of packaging for food if you work in food production and distribution. We’ll discuss food packaging in detail, including food packaging methods, food packing materials, types used for packaging and packaging for food products.
What are food packaging types and what is food packaging?
Packaging is used to protect against germs and tampering. Food packaging in Sydney can include nutritional information about a food product, as well as other important information.
The following are the types of food packaging:
Wrappers: Wrappers protect food from germs on the hands and the environment. Wrappers are used mostly for granola and candy bars.
Trays: These are thick, flat paperboards with raised edges that hold the product in position without moving it much. Trays can be used to package food like plant seeds, drinks, meat and more.
Boxes: Boxes make it easy to transport food products. Boxes can be made from wood, metal or corrugated fibreboard. These materials are more durable and less likely to get damaged. Boxes can be used to pack food such as cereals, snacks, frozen pizzas and other frozen foods.
Pallets: Pallets are commonly used to transport food in bulk. Food products are stacked, then placed in a pallet and wrapped to improve security and reduce movement.
Bags: Bags are the most common form of packaging for food. Bags, which are made from thin plastic material, protect food items against the air and the environment. Fruit and vegetables such as apples, potatoes, and snacks like pretzels and chips can all be bagged.
Cans: Commercial cans consist of thin metal containers or steel coated with anti-corrosion agents. Cans protect food from light and are a great way to transport it. Food products like gravy, vegetables soup, meats and fruit are stored in cans.
Flexible Packaging is, as the name implies, a flexible and non-rigid form of packaging. It can be adapted to any size, shape, or structure. This packaging is similar to bags, and protects food products from the elements of the outside environment. It also extends their shelf life. Flexible packaging is seen in the bagged salad.
Aseptic Processing Aseptic Processing is for packaging food products which are sterile, and must maintain their sterility. This packaging type is made from a combination of paper, aluminum, and polyethylene and has a polyethylene layer inside. Aseptic processing is required for milk, milk drinks, liquid eggs and processed foods that must be preserved.
Cartons are often interchangeable with boxes. Cartons are also made of corrugated cardboard, and they can be coated in plastic or paraffin to make them more durable against moisture and other corrosive substances. Aseptic cartons can be used for food products that need to be kept fresh for a long period of time. Some of the most common types of cartons include:
Egg cartons are egg-shaped molds which keep eggs safe during transport.
Gable-top boxes : These cartons have gables on the top which can be pried and pulled open. They are popular for juices and milk.
Folding cartons: Folding cartons consist of flat cardboard pieces that are assembled by the food producer.
Aseptic cartons Aseptic cartons can be used for food products that need to be stored for a long period of time.
There are many different types of packaging for food.
Different types of food packaging techniques –
As consumers prefer to consume ready-to-eat, convenient, mildly processed food products with a long shelf life, as well as tasty food with a maintained quality and extended shelf life, a variety of food packaging technologies have evolved. These include active packaging, smart packaging, and bioactive packaging. These techniques involve intentional interaction with food or its environment and influence the consumer’s overall health. These packaging techniques work by extending the shelf-life, improving or maintaining food quality, giving an indication and regulating freshness. These techniques improve the food safety and quality.
The method of packaging food and the materials used to package food have changed as well. As our environment changes, we want more convenient and mild food processed products that are tasty, with a longer shelf life, while maintaining quality. Metals (steel and aluminum), plastics glass, wood, paper, cardboard etc. are all types of packaging materials.
Research and expertise are also required to determine the best packaging for food. Plastic packaging is not the best choice for many food products. Food packaging is something that everyone involved in food production and distribution needs to be aware of. This will ensure that buyers get fresh food and that their money’s worth.