Reclose/Reseal Raises the Food Packaging Bar
Reclose/Reseal Raises the Food Packaging Bar
2019-11-28 From:Packaging Strategies New heat-sealable reclosure systems offer visual appeal and functional features.
One such enhancement is functional packaging — or, packaging with added functions. Such functions Recently, reclose/reseal has taken a leap forward in the way it can be used. New heat-sealable reclosure systems — some with FDA approval for direct food contact and re-heatability — have been introduced to deliver both visual appeal and features such as enhanced functionality and convenience, plus the benefits of packaging economy and sustainability. The new film materials directly address current consumer trends — the desire for convenience, fresh food, and sustainability — and waste reduction needs. Consumer Lifestyle and Desires Functional packaging delivers practical benefits such as freshness, ease of use, sustainability, storability, convenience, flexibility and protection. And consumers indicated that they are willing to pay more for these benefits. Packaging drives powerful emotional responses. These range from the frustration resulting from having to cut open a bag to the inability of reusing the container to restore unused food. Consumers gain confidence from seeing a seal that guaranteed the product had been unused and sense relief through packaging that is easy to use. Brand owners and designers need to carefully consider package design and message to reduce confusion, provide desired information and fully explain features and benefits. Given that today’s consumers are looking for easy-to-use products in their daily lives, it should come as no surprise that food meal kits — today’s version of the TV dinner, but made with fresher, often healthier ingredients — have become ubiquitous in both the supermarket and convenience stores. But not all of that product is necessarily used in one sitting, and consumers welcome packaging that makes it fast and simple to reseal the contents and keep it fresh until the next time. It’s also telling that fresh produce consumption is growing. Fresh fruit consumption is estimated to increase 9% by 2020 and fresh vegetables to increase 8% by 2020 as consumers seek healthier foods for snacking. The opportunity to satisfy consumers is in the packaging, such as dependable reclosure for heat-sealed trays. Sustainability with Functionality The transparent lidding label also can allow consumers to see the food inside the package, assuring content freshness. There are other benefits for manufacturers/packagers in that a second tab may be added to indicate tampering, plus there is the ability to use the label/seal itself to deliver the brand message to the consumer. It actually provides a larger landscape of packages for graphics and branding. Cost is also a concern: Press-to-close is significantly less expensive than a zippered pouch or bag. Reducing Food Waste The Office of the Chief Economist of the United States Department of Agriculture estimates that between 30% and 40% of the country’s food supply is wasted. This is based on a 2010 estimate from the USDA’s Economic Research Service of 31% food loss at the retail and consumer levels, equating to 133 billion pounds and a value of $161 billion. It further estimates that this waste is the single largest component going to municipal landfills, where it generates methane, making the landfills the third largest source of this greenhouse gas in the country. To put it more graphically, journalist Jonathan Bloom’s 2011 book American Wasteland estimated that Americans throw away enough food to fill Pasadena, California’s famous Rose Bowl football stadium on a daily basis. The reclose/reseal functional package is a positive step in reducing food waste. Differentiating a Product Through Heat-Sealable Film This technology can be applied to meal kits and even products such as spices and sauces. Some of the films may even be microwaved and resealable beyond the first use. Depending on the application, FDA approval for direct food contact is also available. The heat-seal reclosure technology also provides converters a more affordable, sustainable way to provide brands with the convenient, easy peel-and-reseal functionality today’s consumers seek. The ability to eliminate the clamshell lid creates the opportunity for brands to enhance creativity in package design, helping to differentiate and add value to their products. The reclosure solution for thermoformed trays is delivered via a construction of a facestock, such as polyester; a pressure-sensitive adhesive; and a sealant material. Converters may print on the facestock and then die-cut an opening Questions to Ask Is an FDA-approved heat-sealable solution required today (or in the future)? In other words, will the food contact the adhesive during the life of the container?
Claims:
The copyrights of articles in the website belong to authors. Please inform us if there is any violation of intellectual property and we will delete the articles immediately.
Relevent Information
more »
» Processing vegetables with a belt cutting machine
» Bunge Loders Croklaan unveils shea-based margarine » Reclose/Reseal Raises the Food Packaging Bar » Improving the shelf life of avocados, eco-plastic film research » Aldi to introduce reusable bags for fruit and veg » Low-calorie 'butter' made from 80% water » Don't get scrambled over eggs » Dairy launches fully recyclable milk cartons » Ovenable pouch designed for frozen seafood » Country Crock unveils new dairy-free plant butter |
Hot Topic
|
Chinese Food Industry Magazine
TEL:886-2-28941823 FAX:886-2-28941837 E-mail:viya@foodsourcings.com
Copyright Notice © 2010 Foodsourcings All rights reserved.
Powered by Foodsourcings & Chinese Food Industry Magazine