Packaging is the most important factor in maintaining the safety and quality of food. Customers’ health and well-being are at stake when it comes to food safety.

Packaging protects the packed food throughout transportation, material handling, and storage. As a result, the integrity of food packaging may have a significant impact on the safety of food.

Food is shielded from the environment, infection, heat, physical harm, and a slew of other dangers thanks to the packaging. As a result, good packaging ensures the safety of your food.

With the advent of snacks, it has become even more critical for food manufacturers to protect the integrity of their sachets for food safety purposes.

This article will discuss different materials used in envasado de alimentos and the roles of food packaging in the industry.

Materials Used in Food Packaging

Glass

Food packaging has a long history with glass. There are a number of ways to protect glass containers used in food packaging against scratches, abrasion, or jams in the manufacturing line.

Bottle breakage is reduced as a result of glass coatings that strengthen and retain the bottle’s strength. Thinner glass may be used because of improved break resistance, which decreases weight and makes it easier to dispose of and carry.

Glass is a sturdy material that offers excellent insulation and can be made into a variety of forms. Even while glass’s transparency enables customers to view what’s within, its many colors may shield light-sensitive items from damage.

Glass has various benefits for food packing since it is odorless and chemically inert with practically all food products: Product freshness may be maintained for a long amount of time without affecting taste or flavor because to its impermeability to gases and vapors.

Heat sterilization of both low- and high-acid foods may benefit from glass’s capacity to tolerate high processing temperatures.

Paper and paperboard

Paper and paperboard packaging materials are commonly used for food packaging. They are often used to package fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, snacks, and confectioneries.

Paperboard is a stiff paper-based material that is used for cereal boxes, cracker boxes, shoe boxes, and other tipos de envases. Paperboard can be laminated to create a stronger material that is used for beverage containers and other types of food packaging.

Laminated paperboard has a plastic or wax coating that makes it moisture-resistant and durable. This type of paperboard is often used for frozen food packaging, as well as for packaging dry goods such  as crackers, cereals, and nuts.

Paperboard is a renewable resource that is recyclable and biodegradable. It is also a cost-effective material for food packaging.

Metal

Food packaging also commonly uses metals such as aluminum, steel, and tin. These materials are often used to package shelf-stable food items such as canned goods, soups, and juices.

Metals are impermeable to gases and moisture, which helps to preserve the shelf life of packaged foods. They are also durable and lightweight, which makes them easy to transport and store.

Aluminum is a particularly popular choice for food packaging because it can be easily formed into a variety of shapes. It is also recyclable, which makes it a sustainable choice for food packaging.

Tin is another popular metal used in food packaging. It is often used to line cans, which helps to preserve the quality of the food inside. Tin can also be printed on, which makes it an attractive option  for branding and marketing purposes.

Steel is another common metal used in food packaging. It is often used to make cans  for soup, vegetables, and other shelf-stable foods. Steel cans are durable and recyclable, making them a sustainable choice for food packaging.

Plastics

Plastics are also commonly used in food packaging. Both condensation and addition polymerization (polyaddition) may be used to make plastics.  Polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, and polypropylene are all examples of plastics that are used in food packaging.

Plastics are often used to package fresh food items such as fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy products. They are also commonly used to package processed foods such as snacks, cereals, and baked  goods.

Plastics offer many benefits for food packaging. They are lightweight, which makes them easy to transport and store. They are also impermeable to gases and moisture, which helps to preserve the shelf life of packaged foods.

In addition, plastics can be easily formed into a variety of shapes, which makes them  versatile for  food packaging applications. They are also recyclable, which makes them a sustainable choice for food packaging.

Roles of Food Packaging

Protection/Preservation

Pollutants and germs may contaminate food cultivated and produced anywhere, whether it is in the local area or over the world. Additionally, faulty packaging might have a negative influence on the health of the customer.

Furthermore, food goods that are shipped or stored for a long length of time are more susceptible to infection.

That’s one of the main reasons why it’s important to use the proper food packaging and evaluate the integrity of that packaging.  If the food is not protected, it can lead to illness or even death.

Branding/Identity

Product identity is essential for marketing purposes. It’s what makes a product recognizable and differentiates it from others on the shelves.

Effective packaging communicates vital information about the product inside, such as the ingredients, nutritional value,  and any special instructions.

It also needs to be appealing to the consumer’s eye and convey the overall message of the brand. The packaging is often the first thing a potential customer will see, so it needs to make a good impression.

Convenience/Transportation

Packaging can also make food more convenient to transport and store. For example, single-serve packaging is easy to grab and go. And resealable packaging helps to keep food fresh longer.

In addition, packaging can help to extend the shelf life of food. This is important for both manufacturers and consumers. Manufacturers want their products to have a long shelf life so they  can sell more and consumers want food to last longer so they don’t have to go to the store as often.

Containment and Food Waste Reduction

Proper packaging extends a food’s shelf life by up to three times. Food safety issues arise as a result of the lower shelf life caused by subpar packaging. It’s common knowledge that storing food at low temperatures will extend its shelf life.

This information, however, is only partly accurate. When exposed to oxygen, the food in the packaging will deteriorate.  The role of packaging is to minimize the amount of oxygen that comes into contact with the food.

Only by using an effective barrier material can the food maintain its quality for a longer period. This will also result in less food waste, as the food will last longer before going bad.

Traceability

In the event of a food safety recall, it’s important to be able to track where the food came from and who might have purchased it. This is where packaging comes in.

The packaging should have all the necessary information, such as the name and address of the manufacturer, the production date, and a batch number. This information  helps to identify the food and track it back to its source.

Freshness

When it comes to fresh food, packaging plays a vital role in maintaining quality and preventing spoilage.

For example, fruits and vegetables are often packed in plastic containers with small holes. This allows them to breathe and prevents them from rotting.

Packaging also protects food from being crushed or damaged during transportation. This is especially  important for delicate items like baked goods.

Para llevar

There are many different types of food packaging, each with its own benefits. In conclusion, packaging plays a vital role in food safety and quality control.

It helps to protect food from contamination, extends shelf life, and makes traceability possible in the event of a recall. When choosing packaging for your product, be sure to select a material that will provide the best packaging and protection from food packaging.

Always make sure that your food is wrapped securely and properly, using the appropriate materials before distributing it. 

Should you need proper expertise, we provide bespoke food packaging services if you’d want to eliminate the guesswork involved in packing your items.

It’s possible to collaborate with Máquina Spack to create a food packaging approach that is tailored to your company’s needs and identity. We have expertise in a broad range of markets and a diverse range of culinary products.