Packaging

Packaging is an important element for efficient and safe delivery of food to the consumer. In supermarkets, it is largely packaging that meets shoppers’ eyes. Indeed, without food packaging, distribution of much of the food we consume would not be possible, at least not with the current standards of safety, economy, and convenience. While safety is of utmost concern, this must be done economically. To meet all of the needs of the various food value chains, a wide variety of packaging forms have developed. Like many useful—even essential—products, packaging also has its problems.

Estimates of the global packaging vary, but on a worldwide basis, it is likely that it is as much as $750 billion annually, and the majority is for packaging food and beverages. Rough ...