What Are the Different Materials Used in the Food Packaging Process?

Packaging is a very important part of the food industry. Different types of food products are produced and supplied to the markets in the distant areas. So without proper packaging it is very difficult to retain the freshness of the food items. To reduce wastage of the products due to chemical contamination and other harmful external factors, different materials are used to carry out the wrapping procedure. Improved packaging machineries are used for proper hygiene and increasing the shelf life of the products.

To provide good quality packaging different types of materials are used, which are discussed below:

1.    Paper or boards: This is very commonly used to pack fast foods, liquid or dry products. They are environmental friendly and are a universal packaging material. Most of the time laminated or printed non-stick or polythene coatings are used in the packaging process.

2.    Glass: Some of the products are preserved using glass material but the closure material depends upon the preserved substance. After applying heat and pressure some food products require sterilization. For such items gasket-type seals are used. Fragility of glass is the greatest disadvantage.

3.  Plastic: It is an ideal packaging material used extensively. A wide range of polymer based materials are used which include polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, etc.

4.   Metal: Metal cans are used to pack both carbonated and non-carbonated soft drinks. Even some company uses aluminium foils to provide a protected cover outside the food item. Steel is also used for preserving canned products like tuna, meat loaves, sausages, sardines and corned beef. Metal food packaging is mainly used for the types of products where oxidation preservation is necessary. These are effective packaging method which protects the food from external contamination.

Using these modern packaging methods you can provide the customers with high quality products. If you want to purchase packaging machines in Australia then, you must contact the industrial machine manufacturers.