Consumers are putting greater emphasis on fresh and healthy food – even though they are putting less time and effort into planning and preparing meals, it adds.
The Cofresco Forum, an international platform for scientists and experts in the field of packaging and household packaging, asks what these lifestyle changes mean for food safety during its round table event in November.
What next for convenience food packaging?
Martin Rogall, head of research and development Europe, Cofresco, told FoodProductionDaily.com small sizes and reclosable options for food packaging will continue to grow in strength.
“I think that the convenience trend in food packaging will continue in the direction of portionable or portioned packaging, as well as convenient handling of the packaging. Primary packaging, that is easy to open and also to close again, will become even more important.”
A piece of packaging can offer functions for both storage and preparation, he added, such as roasting bags or microwavable bags.
Given the need to keep food fresh for consumers, active and intelligent packaging can offer benefits such as longer shelf life. But Rogall warns this has to be balanced against issues like cost.
“Longer shelf life and better quality food is an important benefit of packaging, but although active and intelligent packaging is found in a lot of applications, producers must ensure it offers a clear benefits,” he said.
“Overall there must be a benefit for the producer, the trade or the consumer. Wherever this is the case - without making compromises on other essential properties - active packaging has, and will continue to have, a role.
“For intelligent packaging, like shelf life-indicators, the requirements and benefits can vary for different stakeholders. In this case, technical feasibility, cost implication and providing an advantage over the whole value chain are more difficult to match.”
Free round table event in Gloucestershire, UK
The Ninth Cofresco Forum Round Table will be held at Campden BRI in Gloucestershire, UK. The event takes place on November 27, while the deadline for registration is November 15.
Sessions include an overview of interactive packaging trends; antimicrobial packaging for meat products; processing new materials for packaging; and designing packaging.
During four practical sessions, participants will be able to test methods such as eye tracking and inclusive design, find out more about packaging testing, and learn how to compile clear re-heating instructions.
The Cofresco Forum was founded by Cofresco Frischhalteprodukte in 2001. Research projects in the past have included active packaging, modified atmosphere packaging, eco-friendly packaging, and alternative freshness processes.