Materials of food packaging

Food packaging has been used since ancient times to transport and store foods. The use of ceramics, paper, metal glass and natural resins is known for a long time.

An important requirement is selecting food packaging systems is the barrier properties of the packaging material.

The materials used in food packaging are very often common polymer. Their permeability to gases and vapors is at the origin of their barrier properties and capacity for protection of the food.

The permeability coefficient, which is at thermodynamic equilibrium equal to the product of diffusivity and solubility, depends on the structure do the polymer as well as the property of diffusing molecules.

A good barrier to moisture and oxygen keeps a product crisp and fresh, and reduces oxidation of food constituents.

Plastics are widely used for the food packaging due to their flexibility, variability in size, and shape, thermal stability and barrier properties.

Modern community has increasing needs for preparation, transport and storage of foods under safe conditions.
Materials of food packaging