Paper packaging plays a crucial role in the food industry by providing a safe, sustainable, and cost-effective means of packaging and transporting food products.
The following are some significant functions that paper packaging performs in the food sector:
Advantages:
Protection: Paper packaging acts as a barrier to protect food goods from pathogens, moisture, and other external elements. It also aids in the preservation of freshness and the prevention of deterioration.
Convenience: Paper packaging is lightweight, simple to store, and transport. Because it is lightweight and stackable, it is perfect for use in the food business.
Sustainability: Paper packaging is an environmentally friendly option as it is biodegradable and recyclable.
Branding and marketing: Paper packaging can be customized with a variety of designs, colours, and logos, printable directly on paper.
It’s More Biodegradable Than Other Materials: Paper-based packaging is biodegradable, reusable and recyclable that brands it as nature-friendly option compared to other packaging material.
It allows ventilation and breathability: In certain food products, it can help extend the shelf life by preventing moisture build-up.
It’s bio-based: Since paper is based on wood, it’s one of the world’s few truly sustainable products. When the material decomposes, it reverts back to natural materials from our environment.
It’s Better for the Environment: At 1% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, the pulp, paper and print value chain are one of the lowest industrial emitters in the world.
It’s Versatile: You can easily combine paper with other materials to achieve unique aesthetics, which can influence purchasing decisions.
Disadvantages:
Paper packaging is not as strong or durable as plastic packaging, and it may not provide as much protection against damage during shipment or handling. Handling food grains and loose sugar, for example, frequently results in ripping paper from finger grips.
It may not be suitable for certain types of produce that require airtight packaging or a specific level of humidity. It may not be practical for long-distance shipping or international trade, as it is more susceptible to damage or contamination during transit.
| “Paper-based packaging for fresh produce, a colossal mistake“, says Shay Zeltzer, M.Sc. Agr.; Postharvest Specialist, Founder of Postharvest Hub Ltd. |
Whether paper-based packaging is a mistake for fresh fruits and vegetables depends on various factors, including the type of produce, the intended use, and the logistics of shipping and handling. It is essential to weigh the pros and cons and choose the most appropriate packaging option based on these considerations.
While paper packaging has some benefits, there are also some disadvantages that need to be considered in the food industry:
Limited Barrier Properties: Paper is porous and does not provide an effective barrier to moisture, oxygen, and other gases. This can lead to the deterioration of the product’s quality, flavour, and texture.
Limited Strength: Paper packaging is not as strong as other materials, which can make it more susceptible to tearing, punctures, and damage during transportation and storage.
Limited Heat Resistance: Paper packaging is not suitable for high-temperature applications such as microwave cooking, which limits its versatility in the food industry.
Limited Shelf Life: Because of the limited barrier properties, paper packaging is not suitable for products that require a longer shelf life.
Environmental Impact: While paper packaging is generally considered more environment-friendly than other materials like plastic, it still requires a significant amount of energy and resources to produce. Additionally, if touched by wet hands the paper leads to be moisture-ridden leading to an easy tear resulting in food wastage. For paper its better to have barrier properties where plastic is usually needs to be added in layers of laminates.
Cost: Manufacturing of paper packaging is more expensive than other materials.
Ending Up in Landfills: Paper takes up more space than the same weight of plastic in landfills because it’s less dense than other types of waste. For example, 1 lb. of paper will occupy more space in a landfill than 1 lb. of food waste, glass, or even some plastics.
Dehydration of Food Products
Dehydration can be a common issue for foods that are packed in paper packaging, especially if the packaging is not airtight or does not have a moisture barrier. Paper packaging is generally absorbent and allows ventilation and circulation through it, which can cause the food inside to lose moisture and become dehydrated.
Some foods are more susceptible to dehydration than others, depending on their water content and composition. For example, fresh fruits and vegetables are highly perishable and can quickly lose moisture and become dehydrated in paper packaging. Similarly, baked goods like bread and cookies can also become stale and dry if they are not packaged properly.
To prevent dehydration in paper packaging, it is important to use packaging materials that are specifically designed to protect food from moisture loss. This might include using waxed or coated paper, or using a combination of paper and plastic or aluminium foil to create a moisture barrier. It is also important to pack foods as tightly as possible to limit the amount of air that can circulate through the packaging.
Overall, while paper packaging can be a sustainable and cost-effective option for food packaging, it is important to be aware of its limitations when it comes to preventing dehydration. If you are concerned about preserving the freshness and moisture of your food, consider using alternative packaging materials such as plastic, glass, or metal containers.
Although working in the food preservation and waste reduction industry for close to 30 years, Shay Zeltzer was shocked after spending two days at the Fruit Logistica trade event in Berlin recently. “Just by switching out plastic-based packaging for paper-based packaging, the packaging business has overnight become a paper-based sector. Pure greenwashing, I tell you! Produce does not stay fresh in this paper/mesh-combined packaging, which is contrary to all logic and any form of professional approach”.
Shay says, “I feel compelled to communicate my feelings and not to keep this fury to myself. This paper revolution is nothing more than a trend that is causing an ecological catastrophe and has a significant negative impact on the planet Earth, which we will regret in the future”.
“It causes more dehydration, which shortens food’s shelf life and increases food waste across the supply chain. At the consumer level, it causes more deforestation since forest farming cannot keep up with the rising demand for paper-based packaging. In addition, it is thicker and heavier than plastic. Thus, when it is shipped, it leaves a larger carbon footprint: A common plastic bag has a gauge of around 30 microns. Per square metre, it weighs 0.0276 grams. An equivalent rip strength paper-based bag to a plastic bag weighs around 60 grams per square meter. Paper is 2,000 times heavier than an equal LDPE bag when comparing the same tear-strength property. Fresh produce wrapped in paper packets wilt faster than stored in plastic bags or containers. The paper absorbs much of the moisture from the fruits and veggies, leaving them dull and droopy”, detailed Shay.
To stop this widespread practice and return to sanity, Shay advises that action be taken as soon as possible.
Packaging technologists have spent thousands of years on R&D with an emphasis on decreasing waste and retaining freshness in food, and “This cannot just be tossed away in favour of a quick replacement”.
Can Evaluation of Paper be a Perpetual Packing Option?
| Puneet Duggal |
We have a notable entrepreneur from the Kap Group, Puneet Duggal, who is the MD of India’s leading packaging company, and his comments on the matter are listed below.
Is paper responsible for food dehydration?
The food processing industry selects the packaging material according to food product requirements, considering factors like heat sealability, processability, printability, strength, barrier properties (water, oil, and gas barriers), cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and legal requirements.
Paper offers a lower barrier to oxygen, light, and microbes than other packaging materials such as plastic. As a result, the items it stores—food products especially—have shorter shelf lives when stored in mainly paper packaging. (For the paper to have better barrier properties, plastic usually needs to be added to the plastic layers of laminates.)
What do you think is the best option for food storage?
Today, customers are well informed, and they explore the best options for food storage, with food grade being a strong influence. As compared to sheet metal and glass packaging, our containers (manufactured with IML technology) are strong and sturdy, in addition to being break-proof and providing reliable protection of the contents until they reach the consumer. Further, our IML containers are nestable and weigh less, thereby reducing costs and CO2 emissions during transport and production.
Today, our clients appreciate us for the unlimited possibilities and advantages of “reusability.” They re-use it for storing food items, packing lunches, storing medicines and stationery items, and many other multiple uses.
We have one-stop packaging solutions for Mithai, Bengali sweets, dry fruits and nuts, bakery, confectionery, and ice-cream packaging. We want to be known for our innovation, client-first attitude, best-in-class products and services, and integrity.
Our customized labels and branding resist humidity and big temperature changes, making them the best solution to decorate plastic containers for mithai, bakery, dairy, and confectionery products.
Our customized labels are also scratch-resistant, cannot crack, and are not susceptible to wrinkles.
Our packaging and the label consist of the same material and can therefore be fully recycled.
When sweets or dairy products come into contact with non-food grade packaging, there is a high risk of contamination, which can be detrimental to human health. Our containers are fully food-grade. We have state-of-the-art machines and robots where there is no human contact in manufacturing the container.
How do you see the food packaging world today, at this crossroads?
Food packaging ranks among the most critically important processes in the food industry.
Food packaging has evolved from simply a container to hold food to something that can play an active role in food quality, food presentation, and an effective brand message. Today, clients do not perceive packaging as just a ‘cost centre” or “expense,” but rather as an asset that enhances brand equity.
In any packaging innovation, we follow the backward integration process. Like that, we identify the pain points that the merchant or the consumer faces. Our engineering team conceptualizes the packaging design and suitability, keeping in mind the pain points experienced by the consumer.
The impact of food waste on the environment is ten times greater than the impact of packaging. The ability of in-mould label packaging to control food waste and reduce energy use and environmental impact has made it the preferred choice in the packaging industry.
Product suitability also plays a very important role. Nowadays, we cannot work on the philosophy of ‘one size fits all’. We have customized shapes and sizes for our diverse product line. For example, we have customized ghewar boxes that give a good presentation, create strong brand equity, and keep the ghewar intact and fresh.
We uphold the philosophy of continuous evolution and change management. We keep innovating new packaging shapes and designs to eliminate all the pain points that the consumer faces.
| Firoz H. Naqvi Chief Editor of MNT magazine, |
The Chief Editor of the magazine, Firoz H. Naqvi engaged in talks with Mithai & Namkeen Times, has given this issue a top priority. He has shared his ideas, views, and opinions with the audience while possessing considerable information on paper packaging.
Is paper packaging responsible for food dehydration?
Paper packaging can contribute to food dehydration, but it is not solely responsible for it. Food dehydration occurs when moisture is lost from the food product, and this can happen for various reasons, including exposure to air, heat, and low humidity.
Paper packaging is typically porous, which means it allows some air to vent through it. As a result, it can contribute to the loss of moisture from some food products, especially those that are not completely sealed or that contain high levels of moisture (agri-produce). However, paper packaging can also help to preserve the freshness and quality of certain food items, such as baked goods, by allowing some moisture to escape, which can help to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria.
In general, the effectiveness of paper packaging in preserving the moisture content of food products depends on several factors, including the type of paper used, the thickness of the packaging, the storage conditions, and the type of food being packaged.
Other packaging materials, such as plastic, can also contribute to food dehydration, especially if the packaging is not completely airtight. Ultimately, it is important to select packaging materials that are appropriate for the specific food product and to store the product under optimal conditions to minimize moisture loss.
What do you think is the best option for food packaging?
The best option for food packaging depends on the specific product being packaged, as well as the desired shelf life, environmental impact, and other factors. Here are some general considerations for choosing the best packaging option:
Safety: The packaging material should not pose a risk to the safety and health of the consumer, and it should not contaminate the food product.
Preservation: The packaging should be able to preserve the quality and freshness of the food product for the desired shelf life, protecting it from physical, chemical, and biological deterioration.
Environmental impact: The packaging should be environmentally sustainable, ideally biodegradable or recyclable, and produced with minimal impact on the environment.
Convenience: The packaging should be easy to handle in logistics and transportation, storage & warehousing, and merchandising on the stacking shelves. It should be compatible with existing food packaging and distribution systems.
Some of the best options for food packaging include:
Glass: Glass is non-toxic, impervious to water, and recyclable. It is an excellent choice for items that must be kept for an extended period of time, such as coffee, spice powders, beverage powders, jams, and pickles.
Paper: Paper is renewable, biodegradable, and recyclable. It is a good option for dry and lightweight products such as cereals and snacks.
Biodegradable plastics: Biodegradable plastics are made from plant-based materials and can break down into natural substances. They are a good option for short-term packaging of fresh produce and other perishable items.
Aluminium: Aluminium is lightweight, recyclable, and impermeable to oxygen and light, making it a good option for products that are sensitive to these elements, such as coffee and tea.
Ultimately, the best option for food packaging will depend on the specific needs of the product and the desired environmental impact.
How do you see the world of food packaging today?
The world of food packaging today is rapidly evolving and changing in response to various factors such as changing consumer demands, advances in technology, and concerns about environmental sustainability.
One major trend in food packaging is the move towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly options. Consumers are becoming more aware of the impact of packaging on the environment, and are looking for packaging options that are biodegradable, recyclable, or made from renewable materials.
Another trend is the use of smart packaging technologies, such as intelligent labels, QR codes, and sensors, which can provide consumers with more information about the product and help to prevent food waste by monitoring the freshness and quality of the product.
The COVID-19 pandemic has also had a significant impact on the world of food packaging, with increased demand for single-use packaging to ensure food safety and hygiene. However, this has also highlighted the need for more sustainable options that can reduce waste and minimize environmental impact.
Overall, the world of food packaging today is characterized by a focus on sustainability, innovation, and technological advancement, as well as a growing awareness of the need to balance food safety and convenience with environmental responsibility.