Contributed
Novel trends in food packaging

Food packaging has a key role in preserving the quality and safety of the product. In addition, different foods require various kinds of packaging materials and technologies, in order to meet the specific food demands. Accordingly, the packaging industry proposes assorted kinds of food packages and technologies. However, modern food industry faces up the worldwide concerns for sustainability and environment protection, and food packaging is one of the most important factors of this issue.

The aims of this presentation are to review the main novel trends in food packaging. First, the principle of the well-known "Controlled Atmosphere Packaging" will be presented, referencing its role in food preservation, in different food industries. Next, we will review the field of "Active Packaging" that has active components, beyond the inert passive containment and protection of the product. Their function in extending shelf life, preserving freshness, and improving the safety of the product will be presented. The third trend to be presented will be the "Intelligent Packages" that include temperature indicators which give a visual signal when a specified temperature has been exceeded, or otherwise when a critical accumulation of temperature deviation over time has been exceeded. Another trend is the innovation of more convenient packages, by design or by composition, such as microwave packaging. Furthermore, "Biodegradable Packaging" will be presented, in reference to the material composition and its importance in protecting the environment.

Examples of application of the different packaging materials or technologies will be presented in different food industries.