Processed food is the backbone of the modern world. Whenever you are in a grocery store, you will see many food items separated from your touch only by a layer of food packaging.
Most people don’t pay much importance to food packaging materials and see them only as something that requires disposal, but packaging materials play a vital role.
The history of food packaging materials is far-reaching, more than what you might guess. In this article, we will answer the question: what are the types of food packaging materials? And examine the different types available nowadays, and the pros and cons of each. We will also glimpse what the future holds for food packaging materials and give some pointers on how to source lower-cost food packaging.
Food Packaging And Its Types
Many materials used in food packaging help keep food fresh and safe to eat and can also be used to promote and sell products. There are many types of food packaging, each with its advantages and disadvantages.
So, what are the different materials that can be used for packaging of food?
One of the most common types is plastic wrap. Plastic wrap is cheap, easy to use, and effective for keeping food fresh. However, it is not very durable, and it is not recyclable.
Another common type of food packaging is glass jars. Glass jars are more durable than plastic wrap and can be recycled. However, they are more expensive and are not as convenient to use.
Tin cans are another option. They are very durable and can be recycled. However, they are more expensive than plastic wrap and not as convenient to use.
Cardboard boxes are a versatile option. They come in various sizes and shapes and can be printed with logos or other marketing messages. Cardboard boxes are also recyclable. However, they are not as durable as some other options, and moisture can damage them.
Pouches are a newer type of food packaging that has become popular in recent years. Pouches are made from foil or plastic and are resealable after opening. Pouches are lightweight and take up less space than other types of packaging, making them ideal for travelers or people with limited storage space. However, pouches are not as durable as some other options and are sometimes difficult to open.
The evolution of packaging for food in the last century was astounding. There are multiple types available for preserving food integrity at every level. Learn more about what materials are used for food packaging by reading our article: What is Food Packaging?
What Are the Different Types of Materials Used for Food Packaging?
There is a wide variety of food packaging materials. Each material has its benefits and disadvantages. Here are the food packaging materials you will typically encounter:
Plastic packaging is one of the most common types of packaging used in the food industry, widely used for the packaging of dry as well as wet foods.
Plastic is a low-cost packaging material. Food manufacturing companies use many different forms of plastic packaging:
Low-density polyethylene and high-density polyethylene are the most widely used packaging material in the world. The physical and chemical properties of polythene make it adaptable to almost every food item.
There are many different subtypes of polyethylene packaging. These include PET, HDPE, and LDPE. Among these, PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) is the most common, in the form of soft drinks bottles, milk bottles, and more.
The introduction of PET bottles was the driving factor behind replacing glass in the packaging of beverages. Glass jars and bottles were heavy and brittle, making shipping difficult and risky.
Glass bottled water solutions, juices, or syrups risk food waste due to glass shattering, leading to lost product. Plastic bottles eliminate such concerns, so food manufacturing companies have extensively replaced glass bottles with PET containers.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is another commonly used plastic packaging material. You might have seen it in the packaging of medicines such as tablet blister packs, cling films, water bottle sleeves, adhesives tape, and more.
Metals are certainly some of the best food packaging materials. They are rigid and long-lasting and provide superior protection for many food products. Metal cans, boxes, and containers are common types of metal packaging.
Like plastics, many different types of metals are used in food packaging.
Tin was the first metal used for packing food as early as 1810. Its major disadvantage is corrosion. Pure tin corrodes when in direct contact with the food item. That is why tin is coated with protective layers when used for packaging.
While tin started the trend of metal packaging, aluminum is what drives it the most in today’s world. Aluminum foil is commonly used in households as a form of food preservation.
Laminated aluminum cans for beverages and containers in restaurants are also commonly used. The best thing about aluminum cans is they are easily recycled.
While steel isn’t one of the popular types of packaging materials like aluminum or tin, it still has a lot of applications. For instance, steel sheet is used to make containers, caps, and metal cans.
Advantages
Disadvantages
Glass is one of the oldest packaging materials. Archaeologists have found glass bottles even near the tombs of the ancient Egyptian civilization.
Glass is also one of the most inert food contact materials, and can be used to pack anything whether it is dry, wet, or even acidic. Glass is used extensively to make glass containers and bottles in primary packaging for juices, oils, syrups, and other liquids.
Advantages
Disadvantages
Wooden packaging is not commonly used in the food industry, but many wood derivatives are.
Two of the most popular wood-derived products used in packaging are cardboard and paper:
Regardless of the primary packaging or secondary packaging method, tertiary packaging often uses corrugated cardboard boxes and folding cartons.
Consumers do not see or interact with this packaging because retail outlets remove it before displaying food items on the shelf.
Paper and paperboard are used as primary and secondary packaging materials by food manufacturers. It is a common choice in direct contact materials for dry food. But not for wet foods.
Paper packaging material is weak, but paperboard with added barrier properties has incredible strength. Boxes, trays, and cartons can be created using paperboard. There are many types of paperboard suitable for a range of food items.
Advantages
Disadvantages
Ceramics help eliminate toxic materials from food packaging. Ceramics come from minerals found in the soil, such as clay and quartz. An all-natural material, ceramic packaging is cheaper than metal and glass packaging.
Advantages
Disadvantages
Many people think of cellulose as a type of plastic packaging. However, cellulose is actually a plant-based product, making it one of the few organic materials in packaging.
Cellophane sheets and shrink wrap are made using cellulose. While it looks like plastic, it is a completely biodegradable material.
Advantages
Disadvantages
What Does the Future Hold for Food Packaging Materials?
The current trend in the food packaging industry is moving towards lightweight and cheaper materials that do not compromise strength.
Additionally, innovations are making packaging that can increase the shelf life of food products. One such innovation is the introduction of antioxidants in the materials for packaging food.
One of the key driving factors is the shift towards sustainability. Food manufacturers are looking for other packaging materials that are green and environmentally friendly.
Until recently, plastic packaging, the most common food contact material, has been non-biodegradable and non-recyclable. It has a disastrous negative environmental impact since it usually ends up in landfills.
How to Choose the Right Food Packaging Material?
Food manufacturing and processing companies often debate which raw materials to use for food safety. There are many options with different properties, and deciding on the right one can be challenging.
Here are some factors that you should consider when deciding between the various types of materials:
Different Ways to Reduce Food Packaging Costs
Packaging food is a significant portion of the food manufacturing cycle. Therefore, manufacturing companies are always searching for alternative methods to reduce the cost of packaging.
Here are some of these ways.
Using an ineffective packing method for food can create bottlenecks in food processing, leading to lost time and money. Automated packaging options are a must in order to meet the growing demand for high-speed production.
Food manufacturing units widely rely on PWR’s automated packaging robots to stay at the leading edge of the competition. Solutions from pick-and-place robots to automatic pallet loading are deployable throughout the packaging line.
They not only ensure superior food quality but also reduce costs and downtime.
One way to do this is through automated packaging solutions. Optimizing package size ensures less food and packaging waste.
In addition to reducing food waste, optimized package sizes can also help to reduce transportation expenses and environmental impacts.
If restaurants and grocery stores can purchase smaller packages, they will require fewer trucks and ships to transport their goods. That means fewer emissions and less congestion on our roads and waterways.
Optimizing package size using automated packaging machines can help us create a more sustainable future by reducing the amount of food we waste and minimizing our impact on the environment.
Using the optimal amount of packaging can reduce expenses; for example, using a standard-size template across the entire food production line.
Even a little extra packaging material for a single food product can mean huge added expenses when considering the large quantities of food in the entire supply chain.
As we mentioned earlier, more and more innovations are happening in the packaging industry to make the process cheaper while improving product quality.
Using the latest materials or equipment can help reduce the entire packaging cost.
Recycled products are not just helpful for the environment. They are also beneficial for companies that want to save manufacturing expenses.
Replacing other materials with alternative food-safe recycled materials is cheaper and greener. Not only that, the end consumers can further recycle such material for best utilization.
There are many food packaging situations in which added layers serve no purpose. That not only worsens the eventual environmental impact but also leads to added costs for manufacturing companies. Therefore, it’s essential to design the food packaging process effectively while minimizing waste.
There are many alternatives available nowadays that offer a better solution. For instance, some primary packaging materials can also serve as secondary packaging materials.
If the primary packaging is sufficiently protective, it eliminates any need for secondary packaging. There are many other ways in which food packers can implement wiser use of packaging materials.
Final Thoughts
Food packaging has extensive applications which demand the availability of various materials for packing different items. From low-cost plastic containers to rugged metal cans, the range is vast.
Combining the proper packaging material and technique, such as PWR automation options, can make consumers pick your product from the shelf.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions about packaging options for food items:
Cardboard boxes, plastic wrap, and aluminum foil are some of the most common materials. Items such as cereal boxes or cracker boxes are made from cardboard. Plastic wrap is ideal for packaging smaller items such as sandwiches or leftovers. Aluminum foil is perfect for food items that need to be sealed tightly, such as packages of shredded cheese. While other materials are also used, these three are the most common ones.
Yes, PVC is a popular packaging material nowadays. It is a low-cost, lightweight, and easy-to-transport packaging option, making it usable for packing many food items in designs such as clamshell packaging and trays.
Whether you run a small food service business, catering service, or a large food manufacturing facility, ensuring the safety and quality of the products you sell or serve is of utmost importance. Not only does choosing the right packaging preserve the integrity and quality of your food products but also helps you ensure compliance with safety regulations.
That’s why using food-grade plastic is as important as the products you sell in them.
This comprehensive guide is designed to equip food businesses like yours with essential knowledge about food-grade plastic and its crucial role in maintaining the integrity of your food packaging, storage, and preparation processes.
So, let’s unlock the secrets of food grade plastic together.
Food grade plastic bags are specifically designed for safely storing and transporting food. Unlike regular plastic bags, food grade bags are made from plastics that won’t leach chemicals into foods or beverages.
To be considered food grade, food packaging bags are to be made from materials that are FDA approved for direct food contact. The most common plastics used are polyethene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). These plastics are non-toxic, odorless, and chemically stable.
Food grade and food safe sound similar. But they are not.
Here is an example to learn that blur difference between them:
Recall your high school geometry lessons, where we learned that while all squares are rectangles, not all rectangles are squares.
Similarly, every food-safe material can be food-grade, but not all food-grade materials are necessarily food-safe.
Food-safe materials are specifically designed to be in contact with food without causing harm, whereas food-grade materials can be deemed safe as long as they are used appropriately.
To ensure food grade packaging bags are safe for food storage and handling, they go through a rigorous manufacturing process.
First, the raw plastic materials, usually polyethylene (PE) pellets, are carefully selected to meet strict FDA regulations for food contact. Only plastics specifically approved for food use are allowed.
Next, the pellets are heated and extruded into a molten tube that is blown into a bubble. This bubble is then squeezed and rolled flat into plastic sheeting. During extrusion, additives like UV inhibitors and anti-static agents are often added to improve the functionality and shelf life of the bags. These additives also must be FDA-approved for food contact.
The plastic sheeting is then printed, cut, and sealed into bags of various sizes. Throughout the conversion process, the bags go through multiple quality checks to ensure there are no tears, holes, or other defects before being packaged for sale.
To maintain food safety, the entire manufacturing process is carefully controlled and monitored. Equipment and surfaces are routinely sterilized, and workers follow strict hygiene protocols. Factories that produce food grade plastic bags are also subject to frequent audits and inspections.
By following rigorous standards and practices, food grade plastic bags can be safely used to store, transport and preserve a variety of foods. When used properly and according to guidelines, they help reduce food waste and support a sustainable food supply chain.
Polyethylene, or PE, is the most common plastic used for food grade packaging bags. It’s a lightweight, flexible, and moisture-resistant material that’s ideal for packaging and storing food. The two types used are:
Both LDPE and HDPE are considered safe for food contact and are used to make bags for produce, meats, snacks, and more. They are odorless, colorless plastics approved by the FDA for food grade use.
Polypropylene, or PP, is another plastic approved for food grade bags and packaging. It’s a rigid, heat-resistant plastic used for containers like reusable food storage boxes, microwaveable meal trays, and yogurt cups. PP bags are moisture and grease resistant, ideal for packaging snacks, granola, nuts and dried fruits. They have high clarity and gloss, allowing the contents to be clearly visible.
Nylon is a strong, durable plastic used for mesh bags, netting, and monofilament. Nylon bags are breathable, allowing airflow to the contents. They are often used for products like onions, citrus, and root vegetables that require ventilation. Nylon is FDA approved for food contact and can withstand high temperatures during cooking or reheating.
For a plastic bag to be considered food grade, it needs to be made from plastics that won’t leach chemicals into food. The most common plastics used are polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). These plastics are chemically inert, meaning they don’t react with or dissolve into the foods they come into contact with. Other plastics like PVC often contain plasticizers and stabilizers that can migrate into food, so they are not food safe.
Food grade plastic bags are made from plastics and additives that are approved for direct food contact. The manufacturers rigorously test the bags to ensure there is no chemical migration according to strict food safety standards. The bags may also undergo additional testing to certify they meet requirements for specific foods like high-fat, high-moisture, or acidic foods. If a bag is not clearly marked as “food grade” or “food safe,” it has not gone through this testing and should not be used for food.
Food grade plastic bags need to be thick enough to safely contain foods without the risk of punctures, tears or leaks. The thickness, measured in mils, depends on the intended use and food type. For example, bags for produce and meats are typically thicker than bags for dried goods. The bag material and seams must be durable enough to withstand the weight and moisture of the food.
Food grade plastic bags will always be clearly marked as “food grade,” “food safe,” or for a specific food type like “produce bags” or “freezer bags.” This labeling, along with the plastic type, like HDPE or LDPE, tells you the bags have been properly manufactured, tested, and approved for direct food contact. If there is no food-related labeling, it’s best to avoid using the bags for food storage.
Food grade plastic bags have many important uses, especially in the food industry. Let’s explore some of the main ways these bags are utilized.
The most obvious use of food grade plastic bags is safely storing and transporting food. Restaurants, grocery stores, and food manufacturers rely on these bags to keep ingredients and products fresh during shipping and storage. Plastic bags create an airtight seal that locks in freshness and prevents contamination.
Food grade plastic bags are ideal for freezing food. They are durable enough to withstand extremely cold temperatures without becoming brittle. The airtight seal also prevents freezer burn by blocking exposure to oxygen. Many brands of resealable frozen food bags are BPA-free and FDA-approved for direct food contact.
Some high-quality food grade plastic bags are microwave and dishwasher-safe, allowing you to cook and reheat food directly in the bag. This is very convenient but be sure to double-check the specifications of your bags to ensure they can withstand high heat before using them in this way.
Pre-made plastic bags in various sizes are useful for controlling portion sizes. You can separate bulk ingredients or leftovers into individual servings before storing or freezing. This makes it easy to grab just what you need and avoids waste.
Finally, food grade plastic bags help keep your kitchen, pantry, and refrigerator organized. Use them to group similar items or to keep strong-smelling foods separated. Label each bag to make things easy to spot at a glance. An organized kitchen is an efficient kitchen!
With many benefits and a variety of applications, it’s no wonder food grade plastic bags have become such an integral part of food storage and preparation. Keep a supply on hand and discover how useful they can be.
Whether you need bags for produce, meat, baked goods, or liners, you’ve got the knowledge to pick ones that will keep your food fresh and safe. You understand the different types of plastics, which ones are food grade, and the pros and cons of each.
You’re also aware of some of the environmental impacts and can make sustainable choices. Food grade plastic bags may not seem like the most exciting topic, but knowing how to properly handle food is so important.
At Connover Packaging, we offer high quality food grade packaging bags for all types and sizes of food industries.
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