Page 30 - FoodFocusThailand No.227 February 2025

SPECIAL
SPECIAL FOCUS FOCUS

Reimagining Meat and Poultry Packaging

for Quality Improvement and Sustainable

Development

In an era where health-conscious consumers are increasingly attentive to the quality and service aspects
of packaging, the food industry must adapt to evolving challenges. Meat and poultry products represent
a key industrial pillar sustaining the global population. Consequently, packaging innovations have become
vital for maintaining product quality and meeting consumer demands.

Growth of Meat and Poultry Packaging Reimagining Packaging to Align with Environmental Trends
According to a 2023 report by Grand View The evolution of packaging reflects current priorities, such as reducing
Research, the global packaging market for meat packaging resource use, selecting more suitable materials, enhancing
and poultry products is projected to grow at recyclability, lowering carbon emissions, and maintaining product freshness .
4
an annual rate of 5.1%, reaching USD 55 billion Meat and poultry producers can improve their packaging by implementing
by 2030. This growth is driven by advancements the following techniques:
in packaging materials, including smart and 1. Achieving Sustainability Through Lighter Packaging:
sustainable options that not only meet modern Lighter packaging reduces the need for raw materials, curbs plastic usage,
consumer expectations but also align with and lowers manufacturing costs. In logistics, thin yet durable materials like
sustainability trends . This trend is evident in PET or PP films can cut energy costs and minimize waste. For example,
1
Thailand as meat and poultry manufacturers some companies now use PET packaging for frozen meat products exported
increasingly adopt sustainable, high-performance to Europe, reducing plastic use by up to 20%.
packaging solutions designed to extend shelf life. 2. Transition to More Recyclable Packaging: This approach focuses
Effective packaging must not only preserve food on using recyclable materials like PET trays, significantly reducing plastic
quality but also minimize environmental impacts waste and promoting resource recycling. It also encourages designing
while addressing the demands of the expanding packaging that can be easily disassembled for efficient recycling.
export market and digital-savvy consumers. The European Union mandates that all packaging types must be 100%
These factors compel manufacturers to integrate recyclable by 2030, a goal supported by initiatives like the European Green
innovative packaging strategies into their Deal and the Circular Economy Action Plan.
operations .
2,3
30 FOOD FOCUS THAILAND FEB 2025

21/1/2568 BE 10:04
28-31_Special Focus_����� CMU.indd 30 21/1/2568 BE 10:04
28-31_Special Focus_����� CMU.indd 30