Flexible Packaging & Food Safety

Its all in the packaging is a phrase most manufacturers swear by. Unless the consumer tastes the end
product, he wouldnt know the quality. But to convince him to pick up that packet from the supermarket
shelf, a good and attractive packaging plays a major part.
The role of flexible packaging isnt limited to just attract the consumer. It is also meant to protect the
food items inside. Protection from contamination and deterioration throughout its shelf life is also an
integral part of good flexible packaging. It must also be informative of the nutrients and ingredients and
other details in compliance with the labeling and packaging regulations.
Some of the basic features considered for good flexible packaging are:
Compatibility with the product and storage conditions
Protection of the product from deterioration of chemical, physical or biological nature
Appropriate packaging intended for the final use of the product (e.g. - Microwavable
packaging, resealable packets etc)
Ability to sustain the stress of production and distribution - wont crack/break or degrade
No material is inert. When a material like plastic is put into contact with edible products there will be a
release of substances from the plastic into the edible content. The release will depend on 3 factors
namely:
-The types of material
-Type of edible content
-Contact conditions
However, the release or migrants as they are known into the food content doesnt not render it toxic
or dangerous to consume because a shield layer of plastic which is food grade is used while forming the
packaging material. Even the migration is taken into account by regulators while approving a new food
contact substances. Studies on toxicology are carried out by regulators prior to approval.
Uflex Ltd., Indias largest flexible packaging company has been offering amongst others, the food
packaging solutions for more than two decades now. The company offers packaging materials for food
products made out of BOPET (Biaxially Oriented Polytthylene Terapthalate), BOPP (Biaxially Oriented
Polypropylene) and CPP (Cast Polypropylene) films. The manufacturing of these products are in strict
adherence to the international standards and norms. Flexible packaging at Uflex is known for excellent
chemical resistance, strength, protection against moisture and odour and dimensional stability.

Keeping up with the times and the dynamics of the packaging industry Uflex has been a pioneer in
setting benchmarks for delivering innovative packaging concepts and to ensure the safety and viability
of the packaged food in its life cycle.