Page 31 - FoodFocusThailand No.227 February 2025

SPECIAL FOCUS

3. Embracing Bio-based Materials for Sustainable transmission and is often used as a base for coated films.
Solutions: This approach emphasizes reducing dependence on When combined with Saran or polyvinylidene chloride (PVdC) to
fossil-based resources and minimizing environmental impact form KPET, PET offers superior gas, humidity, and vapor
through innovations that maintain product quality while reducing resistance. This makes it an excellent choice for packaging dry,
waste within the circular economy. Key materials like polylactic odorous products or items prone to odor absorption . Similarly,
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acid (PLA), plant-based substances, and nanofibers offer polypropylene (PP) is a transparent, flexible film with strong
promising solutions. For instance, biodegradable PLA films can barrier properties, ideal for food items that benefit from visible
serve as meat packaging, providing a green alternative to packaging, such as vegetables or meat displayed on shelves.
non-circular plastics. However, current waste management While PP can block humidity effectively, it has a higher oxygen
systems are not equipped to sort these biodegradable materials transmission rate (OTR) than other films , making it suitable for
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effectively. To address this, manufacturers could include clear specific applications where transparency and moderate oxygen
disposal instructions on packaging to prevent mixing with control are desired.
recyclable or reusable plastics. Additionally, nanofiber technology, 5. Maximizing Efficiency with Vacuum Packaging: Vacuum
particularly electrospinning, is poised to revolutionize food packaging extends shelf life by inhibiting aerobic microbial growth
packaging. This method enables bonding between synthetic, and reducing oxidation. It also prevents direct contact between
biodegradable, and natural polymers, paving the way for frozen food and ice, reducing storage space and minimizing ice
advanced electrospun porous nanofibers. These fibers can crystal formation on product surfaces. This method significantly
enhance packaging by preventing microbial contamination, delays degradation while maintaining quality. In Japan, vacuum
reducing meat fat and protein oxidation, and extending storage packaging, especially when paired with EVOH films, has driven
life. Combined with natural additives like chitosan or starch, they growth in the premium meat market.
can help retain meat freshness, inhibit microbial growth, and Modern packaging in the meat and poultry industry goes
control the release of antioxidants to reduce food degradation . beyond containment; it serves as a key tool for adding value and
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4. Balancing Shelf Life and Aesthetics: Effective packaging differentiation. Innovative packaging strategies, ranging from
should preserve a product’s freshness and appearance while resource-efficient designs to the integration of digital technologies
being easy to open and capable of blocking oxygen and light. like QR codes and NFC, can enhance product standards, improve
Ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), for example, is a flexible film ideal consumers’ quality of life, and foster sustainable practices,
for preserving perishable items like fish, chicken, and meat. ultimately benefiting both businesses and society.
Its excellent oxygen barrier properties make it suitable for
products requiring extended shelf life. Polyethylene terephthalate
(PET) is another reliable option. This high-performance, durable,
and heat-resistant material effectively prevents oxygen More Information Service Info C003

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