The packaging industry is constantly evolving, with each year bringing new trends, innovations and design materials. These changes play a crucial role in preserving products, extending their lifespan and protecting them from damage during transport. With the advancement of technology and the digitalization of purchasing behaviors, packaging is also reinventing and evolving. But what are these innovations? And which companies have already undertaken this technological evolution?
Innovations in food packaging are constantly evolving to meet the growing needs for sustainability, food safety, and convenience. Some of the recent advancements include:
These types of packaging are made from organic materials such as paper, cardboard, plant-based plastic, or bioplastics. They break down naturally in the environment, often in composting facilities, reducing plastic pollution and providing a more environmentally friendly option for waste disposal.
These packages incorporate antimicrobial agents, such as coatings or additives, that inhibit the growth of bacteria and thus extend the shelf life of foods. This helps to reduce food waste and ensure better food safety by preventing microbiological contamination.
So-called active packaging is designed to interact with food in order to improve its preservation and quality. These packages extend the life of foods by controlling the atmosphere inside the package, for example by absorbing oxygen or regulating humidity. For example, absorbent films can regulate the humidity inside the package, while freshness indicators can signal when food is starting to deteriorate, helping consumers make informed decisions.
Other smart packaging is also increasingly emerging. They make it possible to track and trace food products throughout the supply chain, from production to distribution and retail sale.How? By integrating QR codes, RFID chips or other tracking devices. In this way, they can provide detailed information on the origin, quality, freshness and safety of food. This technology thus reinforces consumer confidence and makes it easier to manage recalls in the event of a problem.
Unlike single-use packaging, reusable packaging can be used multiple times. In this way, they contribute to reducing the quantity of waste generated. Businesses can encourage reuse by offering deposit or return systems, where customers can return empty packages for refilling or recycling.
These packages are made from non-traditional materials, such as bamboo, mushrooms, algae, or other renewable resources. They offer a sustainable alternative to petroleum-derived plastics, thus reducing dependence on non-renewable resources and limiting environmental impact.
This innovative French startup is tackling the problem of single-use plastic food packaging by offering a viable and economical solution for the large-scale use of reusable food containers. Pyxo Acts like a Network for reusable containers, connecting all players in the industry. Equipped with a QR code or an NFC chip, each container is trackable. This allows restaurants to effectively manage their stock and subcontract cleaning to specialized companies, which in turn provide clean containers. The platform also provides an application for customers. This will facilitate the return of reusable containers to specific collection points. Returns can therefore be made elsewhere than at the original restaurant. To encourage this feedback, the app will offer games and rewards. This system makes recycling convenient and environmentally friendly.
Multivac Is positioned as a leading solution provider and technology partner, offering global support to a variety of customers (bakers, restaurateurs and others) .Its product range includes advanced packaging technologies, automation and handling solutions, marking and handling solutions, marking and inspection solutions, marking and inspection systems, as well as packaging systems, as well as packaging systems, as well as packaging systems, as well as packaging materials adapted to various areas.Among Multivac's remarkable innovations, the SFP light transform system Vacuum packaging For hot foods. It allows immediate conditioning after cooking, which reduces residual air and increases the shelf life of products without compromising their quality and flavor.
