A
Packaged Deal
Packaging
has now been transformed into an intricate applied science and Veena
Mathur outlines the changing dynamics of this science in India, across
major sectors
Survey
reports indicate that frequent use of packaged commodity foods is increasing
everyday and is expected to exceed the total industrial production in
less than a decade. But in order for India to achieve the above, the
packaging industry needs to make a committed investment in world-class
equipment (a priority in today’s packaging scenario) like:
• FFS Systems-Perfectly fine
for filling of free-flowing grainy products into open-mouth plastic
bags. Adaptable for various situations, the FFS system is economically
effective and ecologically safe too.
• Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP)
-Very necessary for packaging of products like fish, poultry, breads
etc. MAP technology, a rage throughout Europe, involves altering the
atmosphere around the food product inside the wrapper. This in turn
allows chemical, enzymatic or microbiological reactions to be controlled,
reducing or eradicating any processes of deterioration in that product.
• Stretch and Shrink Wrapping-Ideal
for collating small objects into compact packs. It is more attractive
and helps in retaining the visibility of the product.
Packing for protection
The change in packaging of biscuits is one such example. The transition
from poorly printed wax coated paper to BOPP. Heatsealable paper not
only retains its freshness and is easy for the consumer to handle but
its is also difficult to duplicate. Similarly hardboiled confectionery
too has switched from twist wrap to laminates of PET/ metallised PET/PE
in pillow packs. This not only provides good barrier but extends its
shelf life too. Packaging has also being transformed into an intricate
applied science, which has varied but essential demands placed on it.
Though packaging companies can design and elaborate to meet the needs
of customers as well as the product, the entire packaging gets rejected
if the seal fails during an FFS operation.
Which is why the following key parameters of packaging should be adhered
to:
• Excellent environmental protection
• Outstanding printability
• Aroma retention
• Excellent seal strength and hot tack to run on FFS / HFFS machines
• Easy to open and use
• Cost effectiveness
Retort Packaging
Since there seems to be a growing demand for packaged
pre-cooked foods, north Indian dishes like sarson-ka-saag, dal makhani,
channa masala and matar paneer etc., are being produced in retort pouches.
This process uses...
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