Ways for Improving the Safety of Fibre-based Food Packages

There are several ways for improving product safety for fibre-based food packages. In this paper the project “Safe food packages of the future” is discussed. The focus in this project was both in package functionality and food safety. The main objective of the project was to improve package and food safety by the means of functionality of paperboard-based trays in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), development of biomaterials and barriers, development of oxygen and spoilage indicators and sensors and safety communication of packaging. During the project it was demonstrated that polymer coated paperboard trays can be used with MAP when the whole process chain from material converting to heat sealing of the lid is done correctly. All the important information about the raw-materials and chemicals used in this project were collected and studied against the relevant legislation in EU and US. Adding a small amount of synthetic polymer was found to not only improve the convertibility of bio-coated paperboard, but also resulted in better oil and grease resistance. Two types of printable indicators were proved to be functional – the leakage indicator reacted with oxygen and the spoilage indicator reacted to H₂S, indicating spoilage of fresh, unseasoned chicken which was used as a case product. In addition in the project new ways to communicate safety and sustainability by package design were demonstrated. The common objective of each sub-project was to enhance product safety for the case product. The utilization of the findings enables improved product safety for packages with high share of sustainable raw materials.

 

There are several ways for improving product safety for fibre-based food packages. In this paper the project “Safe food packages of the future” is discussed. The focus in this project was both in package functionality and food safety. The main objective of the project was to improve package and food safety by the means of functionality of paperboard-based trays in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), development of biomaterials and barriers, development of oxygen and spoilage indicators and sensors and safety communication of packaging. During the project it was demonstrated that polymer coated paperboard trays can be used with MAP when the whole process chain from material converting to heat sealing of the lid is done correctly. All the important information about the raw-materials and chemicals used in this project were collected and studied against the relevant legislation in EU and US. Adding a small amount of synthetic polymer was found to not only improve the convertibility of bio-coated paperboard, but also resulted in better oil and grease resistance. Two types of printable indicators were proved to be functional – the leakage indicator reacted with oxygen and the spoilage indicator reacted to H₂S, indicating spoilage of fresh, unseasoned chicken which was used as a case product. In addition in the project new ways to communicate safety and sustainability by package design were demonstrated. The common objective of each sub-project was to enhance product safety for the case product. The utilization of the findings enables improved product safety for packages with high share of sustainable raw materials.