Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Food Packaging Materials

Bafagih Alia Mohamed 1000924495
Joanna Yam 1001025985
Tan Bing See 1001024835



INTRODUCTION         
Packaging material is any material that is used to cover the product and protect it from getting dust, dirt or any other unwanted foreign materials into the product, and some in addition provides information about the product. The researchers aimed at a better method of better quality packaging materials to protect our food and other goods.



In the early ages, people used to obtain and collect their food during hunting and fishing. For the food storage they use leaves from tress, animal skin and also woven baskets. The foods were not fully protected from contaminants and so it was not hygienic.
Some 5,000 years before Christ, man use glass to make jewelries. Later 1,000 the Egyptians used glass to make different kinds of jars for storing goods. In the middle ages the most material used for the food packaging was the wooden barrels. They were used store foods and liquids and also to protect them from the direct light. This brought change in lifestyle and so the need of the packaging materials grew.
In 1810, the French man Nicolas Appert invented a can made from glass than metal. It is said that glass can preserve food for a longer period than the metal can, so this was used during the American Civil War before it became available to the consumers. In the 19th century, the box cardboard was introduced, which made it easier to transport goods and it became most widely used until today.
The invention of the transparent cellophane was in 1920, and polyethylene in 1933. Aluminum foil which later came and made it possible to seal medications. From then on a large number of the packaging materials is produced and is improved every day.




TYPES OF MATERIALS
1)  PLASTIC
Plastics are group of synthetic and modified natural polymers that can be formed into a wide variety of shapes using heat.
Plastics are made from polymers, composed of monomers. There are different types of plastics because of the different kinds of monomers produced. Some of the plastics are "functionalized" with other kinds of atoms either present in the original monomer, or added later after polymerization.


2)  METAL
A layer of oil is added over the tin to add additional protection against corrosion and to protect the tin during formation and handling. Metal is commonly used in packing of food products. Common types of metal packages used for food include three-piece cans, two-piece cans and foil pouches. Metalized films are also used in many flexible laminated packages.


Most of the cans are made by aluminum material because they are light, strong and recyclable. The four metals that are commonly used in food packaging are steel, aluminum, tin and chromium.



3. CARTON & CARDBOARD
Cardboard are made up of boxes in which they are easily recycled. It is commonly used in packing materials such as eggs, to protect them from breaking. Cardboard or paperboard is normally thicker because they are formed by mashed pulp. In order to make the paperboard, the pulp may be bleached and additives added to control the required functional and visible properties. Cartons on the other hand, are mainly used to store milk, juice and etc. They are less environmental friendly compare to paperboard as they are difficult to be recycled due to its complex composition, which is made up of plastics and aluminum paper. In general cartons are made from paperboard that has been printed, creased, scored, cut and glued. 




4) GLASS
Glass in the form of jars is commonly used in food storing, especially when the food is in liquid or semisolid form. Glass is formed into food packages either by the blow-and-blow process (used to form narrow-neck bottle) or by the press-and-blow process (used to form wide-mouth jar). Air is blown through the finish to expand the glass into the mold and it later colds down to become the final product.




5) POLYSTYRENE
Polystyrene is a type of plastic that is formed by the styrene. It is made from a long hydrocarbon chain, with a phenyl group attached to every other carbon atom. Polystyrene is a vinyl polymer, and it is produced by the free radical vinyl polymerization. 
Polystyrene is commonly used in food packaging because it weight is light and it is resistant to moisture when then the food is hot.



FOOD PACKAGING PROCESSES
Packaging involves three main stages, primary package, secondary package and distribution/ tertiary package (Figure 1).
Primary package is in direct contact with the food product. Secondary package contains the primary package and provides physical protection for the food product in the primary package. Tertiary package contains secondary packages and functions to protect their contents and end enabling handling.
Figure. 1



Case Study of Packaging Material:
Example : The Packaging of Breakfast cereals

The plastic bag (primary package) contains the cereals that extend its shelf life by protecting it from unwanted moisture. Then, the paper box (secondary package) that protects the primary package and food, facilitates handling, and carries branding and labeling information to communicate with the consumers. Finally, in a bigger carton box, dozens these secondary packages are loaded into it, which later will be transported to its destination.



PURPOSES/ ADVANTAGES OF FOOD PACKAGING
Food packaging is defined as a coordinated industrial and marketing system for enclosing products in a container to meet the following needs: containment, protection, preservation, distribution, identification, communication, and convenience (Smith, J.S. et al 2004). An ideal package will enable a safe, quality food product to reach the consumer at minimum cost. It is important to note that if a package fails to function properly, much of the expense and energy put into the production and processing of the food will be wasted (Smith, J.S. et al 2004).


1.Containment
- This basic function of packaging is a key factor for all other packaging functions. A food product must be contained before a package can protect and preserve.


2.Protection
- Packaging helps to protect the food from water vapor, oxygen, light, microorganism, other contaminants, and etc.


3.Preservation
- Packaging can function to preserve or to extend the shelf life of food products. It acts as a barrier to environment contaminants. Like a protection shell of the food products. In another way that packaging can preserve food when it interacts with the product to extend shelf life, known as active packaging. Active packaging, employs a packaging material that interacts with the internal gas environment to extend the shelf-life of a food. Such new technologies continuously modify the gas environment (and may interact with the surface of the food) by removing gases from or adding gases to the headspace inside a package (CSIRO Food and Nutritional Services 1994).


4.Distribution/Transportation
- The ability to efficiently unitize individual packages into larger containers is desirable for shipping and handling. Packaging is designed to protect food products from stresses encountered during transportation, eg. compression forces.


5. Identification and communication/ commercials
- Every food product has different specially designed packaging to advertise their products. Consumers recognize the desired products from the appearance of the packages, or it may even affect the decision of the consumers whether to buy it or not.


6.Convenience
-  Food products may come in liquid, solid or maybe semisolid form. Packaging must be designed to be convenient and user friendly. Convenient design features include capacities to be reused, resealed, or easily opened.







EVOLVING OF ECO-FRIENDLY PACK

Eco Friendly pack simply means containers or packaging made from components that are not harmful to the environment, in short, its biodegradable in a short amount of time. It is made from natural oil palm fibres with no additives of chemicals that are potentially harmful to our environment and us with the latest technology, machines and human geniuses!
Quick Facts: Ecofriendly- harmless to our environment; Non-toxic- no chemicals are leached out from pack to food; Microwaveable- heat tolerance without releasing poisonous chemicals when heated in microwave; Healthy for you!





DISADVANTAGED OF FOOD PACKAGING
Food packaging materials made of plastic, metals whilst providing convenience to us, the ugly side is this, it can be environmental damaging. Emissions of gas and pollutant from chemical materials can cause thinning of ozone layer which inevitable hurts our body system.


Mass production is the second disadvantage.It causes wastage of money and resources, evidently seen by the overcrowded landfills  with all the unuse / irreusable packaging materials.Thirdly,microwable containers MAY emit chemicals to food when micro-waving!Realise it was never claimed to be 100% safe? Packaging materials  proposes health threat especially  with BPA containers / Cans.
    
BPA??
- Bisphenol A (BPA) are Organic chemical compounds used to make polycarbonate plastic.
  Possess Estrogenic concerns! Ability to cause CANCER.



Plastic (Not) Fantastic.
When you turn a plastic container around, you generally will find a code number surrounded with arrows.Did you guess it was just recycling?? The code number represents the type of CHEMICAL make up of the plastic!
Code Number
Types  of Chemicals
Usage/Applications
1
Polyethylene terephalate (PET)
Clear soft drink and beverage bottles, food packaging
2
High density polyethylene (HDPE)
Bottles, industrial wropping and film, sheets, plastic bags
3
Unplasticised polyvinyl chloride (UPVC) or Plasticised polyvinyl chloride (PPVC)
Bottles, packaging film, creditcards, water containers, water pipes
4
Low density polyethylene LDPE
Cling film, plastic bags, flexible containers and food wrap
5
Polypropylene (PP)
Packaging such as yoghurt and margarine pots, sweet and snack wrappers, medical packaging, milk and beer crates
6
Polystyrene (PS) or Expandable polystyrene (EPS)
Disposable hot or cold drink cups and plates, fast food clamshells, dairy product containers
7
All other resins and multi-materials not otherwise defined
Other  resins, complex composites and laminates, plastic reusable water bottles, tupperware.



AWARENESS!
1. Plastics With number 1,2,4 & 5  does not contain BPA!
2. Reduce recyling group 3 and 6, it may leach BPA
3. AVOID polycarbonate food containers marked with letters PC or 7. WHY 7?  Aside from   
    the potential health risk, it is a agent of pollution!
4. Choose fresh fruits or vegetables and glass jars ( e.g tomato sauce) instead of canned
5. Never expose these plastics to Hot liquids as BPA leaches Out faster than normal      
    temperature
6. Choose bio-base plastics
7. Avoid using plastic containers in the microwave



PLASTIC BOTTLES
We use plastic bottles to store our liquid almost everyday of our lives and sadly most of it is made from # 7 code number.  Question, is it safe/ the right way to store any liquid?
In our opinion, it is better to avoid them. Nowadays thanks to technology, companies are aware of this issue and has successfully produced  bottles which are BPA-Free, Reusable and even Recyclable!
Though it it might cost you more than the ever convienient plastic bottles , it’s an investment to you and your family’s health in a long run!




.
REFERENCES


-Bucher.J., Shelby.M., n.d. Questions and Answers about Bisphenol A (BPA) [Online].Available at: < http://www.niehs.nih.gov/news/media/questions/sya-bpa.cfm>[ Accessed on 17 July 2010]
-Trish, 2008.How We’re Poisoning Our Children With BPA [Online].Available at: < http://musegreen.com/2008/09/how-were-poisoning-our-children-with-bpa/>[ Accessed on 17 July 2010]
-Ecological Packaging Sdn Bhd, n.d. Fast Facts [Online].Available at: <http://eco-friendlypackaging.supplier-manufacturer.com/>[ Accessed on 17 July 2010]
-Anon.,1998. Does Plastic in Microwave Pose Health Problems?[Online] Available from :< http://www.mindfully.org/Plastic/Microwave-Health-Problems.htm> [Accessed on 24 July 2010]

-Parikh Packaging, 2000. The complete Packaging Solutions, Adapted from <:http://www.packaging-material-exporters.com/beverage-food-packaging.html:> Accessed on 24/7/2010.
-Joe E. Heimlich, Ohio State University Fact Sheet. Adapted from <:http://ohioline.osu.edu/cd-fact/0133.html:>, Accessed on 24/7/2010.
-Decision newsmedia, 2004. Importance of packaging, Adapted from <:http://www.foodproductiondaily.com/Supply-Chain/Importance-of-packaging:> Accessed on 24/7/2010.


Picture Sources
-http://genuinetourist.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/04-16-08-xochitiotzin-dental-practice-in-market-blog.jpg
-http://www.csrplus.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/plastic-bottles1.jpg
-http://www.sz-wholesale.com/uploadFiles/Tin%20can%20for%20food%20packaging_304.jpg
-http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3417/3657826468_21f297b63d_m.jpg
-http://www.theestateofthings.com/wp_teot/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/glass-bottle-venini.jpg
-http://www.faqs.org/photo-dict/photofiles/list/3041/4073polystyrene_box.jpg
-http://wwwimage.cbsnews.com/images/2009/10/07/image5368667.jpg
-http://www.visiongreeninc.com/documents/combination_eco_friendly_smallest.jpg
-http://firstestan.com/1stestan/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/microwaveable.jpg
-http://going-well.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/plastic-label-numbers.jpg
-http://www.youhaveababy.com/images/Feeeding/BPA_free_logo.jpg




.

54 comments:

  1. It's going to be end of mine day, except before finish I am reading this fantastic paragraph to improve my experience.
    my website :: funnymariogames

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any problems with hackers?
    My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended
    up losing many months of hard work due to no data backup.
    Do you have any solutions to protect against hackers?


    My homepage Natural test Booster
    My web site - Androsolve And Muscle Core X

    ReplyDelete
  3. I read this article completely on the topic
    of the resemblance of latest and earlier technologies, it's amazing article.

    My web-site: Lift and Glow

    ReplyDelete
  4. Definitely believe that which you said. Your favorite justification
    appeared to be on the net the easiest thing to be aware of.
    I say to you, I certainly get annoyed while people consider worries that they plainly don't know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top as well as defined out the whole thing without having side-effects , people could take a signal. Will likely be back to get more. Thanks

    Visit my webpage Minneapolis Search Engine Optimization

    ReplyDelete
  5. Awesome article.

    Feel free to surf to my weblog; Male Enhancement Review

    ReplyDelete
  6. Simply wish to say your article is as astonishing.
    The clarity in your put up is simply nice and that i can assume you're knowledgeable on this subject. Well together with your permission allow me to grab your feed to stay updated with imminent post. Thanks a million and please continue the rewarding work.

    Review my site; Best Supplements For Muscle Growth
    my site :: Build Muscle Lose Fat

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hi there, I read your blogs daily. Your humoristic style
    is witty, keep it up!

    my site :: http://mizuleanreview.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hello! I know this is kind of off topic but I was wondering if you knew where I could find a captcha plugin for my comment
    form? I'm using the same blog platform as yours and I'm having difficulty finding one?
    Thanks a lot!

    Also visit my site Home Staging MN
    My web site :: Home Staging Minnesota

    ReplyDelete
  9. If some one desires to be updated with most recent technologies therefore he must be visit this web site and be up
    to date everyday.

    Feel free to visit my website; New Launch - Water-based Vacuum Cleaner Maker Debuts a New Model

    ReplyDelete
  10. Wow, amazing blog layout! How long have you been blogging for?
    you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your website is fantastic, as well as the content!


    Here is my blog - Acheter MitoslimLes régimes Mitoslim

    ReplyDelete
  11. This post is actually a nice one it assists new the web people, who
    are wishing in favor of blogging.

    My webpage; visit the following website page

    ReplyDelete
  12. It's a shame you don't have a donate button! I'd definitely donate to this excellent blog! I suppose for now i'll settle
    for bookmarking and adding your RSS feed to my Google
    account. I look forward to brand new updates and will
    share this blog with my Facebook group. Chat soon!


    Have a look at my web page :: http://theratphoto.com/stories/8581/top_reseller_hosting.html

    ReplyDelete
  13. Thanks for the auspicious writeup. It in truth used to be a
    enjoyment account it. Glance complex to far introduced agreeable from you!
    By the way, how can we keep in touch?

    Also visit my web blog :: Federal studen loans

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hey there, You've done an excellent job. I will definitely digg it and personally suggest to my friends. I am confident they will be benefited from this website.

    my weblog: krankenversicherung wechsel

    ReplyDelete
  15. You're so cool! I don't think I've truly read through something like that before. So wonderful to discover another person with a few unique thoughts on this subject matter. Seriously.. thank you for starting this up. This website is something that is needed on the web, someone with a bit of originality!

    My weblog ... ford ranger forum

    ReplyDelete
  16. Many Food packaging companies use recyled material to pack food which safe and less costly. This companies work hard of eco friendly and easy to dispose. Many companies make good design food packing products which are attractive.

    handheld packaging container company | handheld containers

    ReplyDelete
  17. It really is so basic and user pleasant that even a novice can
    use it. This can then quickly change out an erroneous code appears on your dashboard.


    Feel free to surf to my web blog: http://salesianosorotava.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-added-benefits-of-getting-an-obd-scanner

    ReplyDelete
  18. Packaging materials are important so that your goods do not get damaged during its transfer. The corrugated boxes are being used for the transportation of the goods .
    Corrugated Box Manufacturers, Packaging material manufacturers

    ReplyDelete
  19. The corrugated boxes are undoubtedly the best packaging material today. The boxes are known for its high strength and durability.

    Packaging material manufacturers, Corrugated Box Manufacturers

    ReplyDelete
  20. Having a Packaging Materials are very important, you can use this to package your things and it is also served as a protection of your things.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Packaging film will have a range of effects on sales, costs, complete awareness and mercantile establishment placement. Some business house owners use some ways to boost their presence among individuals and packaging will be the proactive strategy which can facilitate to extend sales.

    ReplyDelete
  22. The package must ensure hygiene and reduce the risk of product contamination as much as possible. Specific types of packaging can extend the shelf life of certain foods, while also allowing safe and efficient transportation. Moreover, the package must also provide customers useful information about the product, instructions, expiry date, recycling instructions etc. All food packages must meet specific legal requirements.

    Packaging Mastery

    ReplyDelete
  23. I am thankful to this blog for assisting me. I added some specified clues which are really important for me to use them in my writing skill. Really helpful stuff made by this blog.Street food packaging

    ReplyDelete
  24. Nice article, very helpful to learn something new....Thank for sharing that great information.

    FOOD PACKAGING FILM MANUFACTURER

    ReplyDelete

  25. Thanks for sharing such amazing information about retail packaging.i hope you keep on sharing such kind of useful information daily.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Thanks for showing these informative research and information on packaging materials. Good work!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Such a nice and informative post about food packaging materials. Keep Writing!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Such a nice piece of information on food packaging materials. Thanks for sharing this detailed information with us.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Thanks for sharing all of these food packaging materials with us. You have done amazing research on food packaging.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Thanks for sharing this blog. It's really a amazing blog on this topic, For more information about Packaging Materials Please Visit on my blog

    ReplyDelete
  31. Thanks for sharing this. It has a lot of information about Packaging Materials but if you want more details so please visit my blog.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Amazing blog on this topic, It has a lot of information about Packaging boxes, but if you want more details, Please Visit my site.

    ReplyDelete
  33. That's only a fraction of what the new packaging can do. Most importantly, it is imperative that you think about your product package. tengeri konténer szállítás Europa-Road Kft

    ReplyDelete
  34. Nice post. Well what can I say is that these is an interesting and very informative topic on food packaging materials

    ReplyDelete
  35. Thank you very much for writing such an interesting article on this topic. This has really made me think and I hope to read more. packaging material website

    ReplyDelete
  36. This is my first time i visit here. I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion. From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here keep up the good work packaging material to guy

    ReplyDelete
  37. Excellent quality Food Packaging Material with customization and free delivery in US..

    ReplyDelete
  38. We should Choose Always Human Friendly Disposable Food Packaging Boxes. To choose the best Food Packaging Material you can see the details here.

    ReplyDelete
  39. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  40. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Take a look at this list of the best packaging material suppliers in the UAE. You can enlist their assistance in locating a wide range of high-quality materials that will enable you to quickly integrate the best quality solutions into your operations and optimise your packing process. They've helped a number of clients with their unique needs, and their products will be an excellent addition to a variety of packaging operations, allowing you to boost efficiency. Their high-quality products will quickly help you capitalise on market expansion and streamline company operations. You may locate a wide range of packaging materials and utilise them to improve efficiency in a number of commercial and industrial packing applications.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Finding quality accounting and financial services does not always have to be a challenge. If you are looking for either or both, then ensure the company is a member of DMCC and the FTSE. The DMCC Accounting and Finance Group represents an affiliation of legally-incorporated accountants with headquarters in Dubai, UAE. At DMCC, members compete at a world-class level with firms from over 60 different nations across eight Groupings: Audit; Accountancy; Corporate Finance; Tax; Financial Markets; Consulting; Shipping and Ports; Wealth Management.

    ReplyDelete
  43. I am fascinated by the work you put into this information, which you have refined. I appreciated the way you expressed your opinion on Packaging For Food, especially how well-articulated your arguments were.

    ReplyDelete
  44. Great post about packaging materials
    Thanks for sharing
    Wooden Pallets

    ReplyDelete
  45. Savor the essence of freshness and quality with our meticulously designedFood Packaging. From farm to table, our packaging ensures your culinary delights reach new heights in both taste and presentation.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Embracing sustainability in food packaging is crucial, and flexible food packaging takes the lead. Its lightweight design reduces environmental impact while preserving freshness. An eco-friendly choice that aligns with both taste and conscience.

    ReplyDelete