Packaging – its vital role in

the food industry

Brian P. F. Day

AIP, Box Hill Golf Club, 7 Sept., 2005

Australian packaging snapshot

• A$7.5b industry (cf A$600b worldwide)

– ~30,000 employees
– ~70% used for food
– Amcor and Visy – by far the major players
• Proportion of packaging materials used:
– Paper/board (35%)
– Plastics (30%)
– Metals (20%)
– Glass (10%)
– Others (5%)
 Outline

• Brief background information

• The importance of food packaging
• Selection criteria for packaging
• Major food packaging materials
• Future developments
The 3 “Ps” of packaging

• Protection
• Preservation
• Promotion
 Design of a food package

• What are the basic functions required?

• How does the food affect pack choice?
• What are the cost constraints?
• What are the environmental impacts?
Selection criteria for packaging

• Inert and non-toxic

• Appealing to the consumer
• Easy for the consumer to use
• Provide product information
• Show evidence of tampering
• Have seal integrity
Glass
Copy-cat packaging
Metals
Paper/board
Microwave packaging
Plastics
Future packaging developments

• Polymers with more desirable properties

• New packs and formats
• Environmental sustainability
• More cost-effective functionality
• Greater use of:
– modified atmosphere packaging (MAP)
– Edible films and coatings
– Active and intelligent packaging
Packaging innovation examples
Biodegradable packaging
Modified atmosphere packaging
Edible coatings and MAP
Active and intelligent packaging
Oxygen scavenging sachet
Oxygen scavenging label
Oxygen scavenging bottle caps
Ethylene removing film bag
Moisture absorbing packaging
Tamper-evident packaging
Fresh-Check TTI labels
“Freshness” indicator labels
 Conclusions

• Packaging is essential in society

• Key requirements:
– Safety, functionality, convenience, attractiveness,
cost-effectiveness and environmental friendliness
• Consumers are demanding more:
– Extended shelf-life, tamper-evidence, clearer
labelling, “greener” packaging
• New developments will drive the food
packaging industry to meet the needs of
the consumer
Thank you!