Innovations in Food Processing and Packaging

Year after year, technology becomes better. Most developments in the field of food technology have been oriented toward improving food processing and products more conveniently, more efficiently, at less cost, and with higher quality and safety levels. Traditional thermal processes have offered innovative developments in the food processing industry; these include commercial sterilization, quality preservation, shelf-life extension, and safety enhancement. Extended shelf-stable products manufactured by retorting or aseptic processing are available in any grocery store and do not require refrigeration. These types of products are very convenient at any place or time and are easy to handle, therefore benefiting producers, processors, distributors, retailers, and consumers. The major function of extended shelf-stable food packaging is to construct a protective barrier against the invasion of microorganisms. 

Beyond this simple barrier function, there has been more research and development introducing new purposes for food packaging systems. Among these, significant new functional packaging systems which have been successfully commercialized are active packaging, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), and edible films/coatings. 

The development of new packaging functionalities has been possible because of technological advances in food processing, packaging material science, and machinery. Among the many new technologies, the development in processing and packaging machinery is notable, leading to higher standards of regulation, hygiene, health, and safety.

New software and part installations in unit operations have been introduced, and high-speed automation has been achieved by using new servomotors, subsystem parts, and software technologies such as the machine vision system. The processing and packaging equipment has new functions that feature increased safety, quality, and productivity, and therefore it seems that the development of new packaging functions may go hand in hand with the development of new processes, materials, and equipments. Packages may have new purposes if new functional packaging materials and/or materials containing functional inserts/parts are used. Developing new packaging technologies implies not only new material development but also new packaging design systems. listed some socioeconomic reasons that drive packaging innovations, such as consumer lifestyle, value of products, profits, safety/biosecurity, regulations, and environmental concerns.

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