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This report by Smithers Pira looks at the latest developments, products and applications for the fast emerging area of active packaging.
Long heralded as a solution to problems such as extending shelf life and improving food safety and quality, the technology has been slow to hit the mainstream outside of Japan as legislative barriers and cost issues stymied progress.
Now, following the completion of the EU-funded Actipak project in 2002 and the increasing movement away from loose sachet products, the path has been cleared for active packaging to expand in other markets. Research recently carried out by Smithers Pira suggests that annual growth rates could be as high as 20%.
A similar story is unfolding in the US as food brand owners look to improve supply chain efficiencies through active packaging technologies - especially PET packaged beers.
This report concentrates on the technologies likely to succeed over this initial period of rapid growth in Europe and US.
Each technology is examined by our team of technical experts taking you through existing products, development products, breakthroughs/ findings at basic research level, consumer reactions, existing and future applications and costs.
With 20% growth levels forecast, this technology study is essential reading for any business which deals with food products.
Includes business directory of global active packaging suppliers.
What is active packaging?
Active packaging actively changes the condition of the packaged food to extend shelf life or to improve food safety or sensory properties, while maintaining the quality of the packaged food
Why you need to know about this technology
- Active Packaging will have 20% annual growth rates to 2007.
- Food legislation is changing to make it easier for active ingredients to be incorporated into packaging
- Because active technology saves money within lengthening supply chains by improving shelf-life
- Active packaging helps to increase food quality and convenience
- Improved food safety can be achieved by using active packaging
Technologies covered
- Oxygen scavengers
- Moisture absorbers/adsorbents
- Carbon dioxide scavengers/emitters
- Ethylene scavengers/emitters
- Preservative releasers
- Flavour/odour absorbers
- Lactose and cholesterol removers
- Microwave susceptor technology
- Temperature control packaging