Food Packaging Technology

Introduction to Food Packaging

• Food packaging is essential for protecting food from contamination and extending its shelf life.
• Packaging serves as a barrier to environmental factors such as moisture, air, light, and microorganisms.

Need for Food Packaging

• Ensures food safety and quality during storage and transportation.
• Enhances consumer appeal and provides essential information, such as ingredients and expiry dates.

Role of Packaging in Extending Shelf Life

• Functions to slow down spoilage by controlling oxygen levels and moisture.
• Utilizes technologies like vacuum sealing and modified atmosphere packaging for improved preservation.

Introduction of Packaging Materials

• Various packaging materials are employed, including paper, glass, metals, and plastics, each with unique properties and applications.

Types of Packaging Materials

• Paper: Lightweight, biodegradable, and often recyclable. Used extensively in food wrapping and containers.
• Glass: Inert, non-reactive; ideal for preserving flavors without influencing food quality.
• Metals: Durable and airtight. Often used in cans and containers for protection and longevity.
• Plastics: Versatile and lightweight; available in a variety of forms such as films, containers, and laminates.

Use of Paper as Packaging Material

• Pulping: Process of converting wood into paper fibers, crucial for producing high-quality packaging.
• Fibrillation and Beating: Techniques to enhance the fiber network, increasing strength and durability.
• Types of Papers: Includes kraft paper, coated paper, and specialty papers designed for specific applications.
• Testing Methods: Assess paper properties such as tensile strength, water resistance, and permeability.

Use of Glass as Packaging Material

• Composition: Primarily made from silica, soda ash, and limestone, which contributes to its durability and clarity.
• Properties: Non-porous, recyclable, and provides excellent protection against gases and moisture.
• Types: Includes clear, green, and amber glass bottles for various food products.
• Methods of Bottle Making: Techniques include blow molding and extrusion to shape different glass containers.

Use of Metals as Packaging Material

• Tinplate Containers: Made from thin sheets of steel coated with tin, providing resistance to corrosion.
• Tinning Process: Involves coating metal with tin to protect against rust and preserve contents.
• Components of Tinplate: Includes steel substrate, tin coating, and sometimes additional protective layers.
• Types of Cans: Various forms such as food cans, beverage cans, and aerosol cans, each tailored for specific uses.
• Aluminum Containers: Lightweight and moisture-resistant, popular for beverages and ready-to-eat meals.
• Lacquers: Protective coatings applied inside cans to prevent food reactions with metals.

Use of Plastics as Packaging Material

• Types of Plastics: Includes polyethylene, polypropylene, and PET, each with distinct properties suited for different uses.
• Plastic Films: Thin, flexible materials used for wrapping and sealing products.
• Laminated Plastic Materials: Combines different films to enhance barrier properties, strength, and appearance.
• Flexible Film and Container Manufacture: Processes such as blow molding and extrusion foster versatility in creating packaging solutions.

Learn about food packaging technology with Dr. Maya Raman and Dr. Jenny Ann John, Associate Professors at the Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Ocean Science and Technology, Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies. This module covers the introduction of food packaging, the need for food packaging, and the role of packaging in extending the shelf life of foods.