So, it’s been a long time that the human civilization has known packaging and preserving and today its has come a long way. Today, various kinds of food packaging materials are available and it is totally upon us that what kind of food packaging materials we use. You might be thinking that this article will deal with what are the various kinds of food packaging materials that we should use. Cool! You are somewhat right but, not only this. This article will also deal with what are the various roles that the food packaging plays, what are the various kinds of food packaging materials of course and what are the various environmental concerns which are getting raised due to food packaging, additionally what can be done to avoid these issues.
Embracing the Essence of Food Packaging
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Innovative Packaging: A Feast for the Senses
The world of packaging is forever changing. Earlier only colourful packets used to capture the attention of the customers but these days things have changed. In order to attract customers and to keep the name of their brand into the customer’s minds, brands are trying to adapt different strategies. Not only visually appealing colours and designs but tactile sensations are also incorporated in the modern-day packaging. This helps the brand in creating its own unique identity.
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Materials Matter: The Base of Sustainability
The base of every brand depends not only on quality but it also depends heavily on packaging. In the era of sustainability, bio- degradable and eco- friendly packaging materials such as double wall cardboard boxes, etc are being used. This makes sure that not only your food contents remain safe but also it does not harm the environment by any means. Using biodegradable food packaging is also important as it keeps the quality of the food preserved for a longer duration that too without any coming in contact with any harsh metals such as aluminium or the worst- plastic.
The Emergence of Bioplastics
Amidst the various talk going on and around on the use of sustainable packaging materials, various packaging materials such as the postal bag, etc are being used. But these bags are only limited for the use of keeping the dry food contents. For liquid items, we again need plastics or aluminium cans and packets in which the food can be sealed. But these days a new material called bioplastics are being used. This a actually a plastics and therefore holds water and other liquid stuff but at the same time is biodegradable therefore, not a threat to the environment.
Beyond Single-Use: The Reusable Packaging
Also, with the passage of time, the concept of single use packaging is fading away. People are trying to re-use the packaging items to reduce the overall generation of waste. A small step towards the circular economy is also being taken but various companies where the take away the used bottles and cans and use it for re- packaging of the food or drinks. This is a truly remarkable which has the potential to change the current scenario of waste generation in the world.
Food Packaging and Food Waste: A Balancing Act
Food companies know the shelf life of their products. Therefore, this also becomes the moral responsibility of the brands to use only those kinds of packaging which is eco- friendly, sustainable has the ability to keep the food safe for a good duration of time. This is to ensure that in order to make the packaging eco- friendly the shelf life of the food should not get reduced. It therefore becomes the sole responsibility of the company’s R & D team to find out ways in which the use of the material in food packaging is also maintained and at the same time, the quality of the food is also maintained.
Summing Up
So, the world has already started taking initiative for a sustainable future and we are here not only enjoying the new world’s packaging and branding but also celebrating it. The day is not far when we will be able to have a considerable amount of food packaging industry which is completely eco- friendly and sustainable.