Manufacturing.net's sister publication, Food Manufacturing, spoke with Terry Woolford of Eagle Product Inspection about the latest food packaging developments from last year, as well as what innovations to expect throughout the rest of 2012.
Q: What food packaging innovations were uncovered in 2011?
A: The packaging industry is in constant change, driven by technological innovations and consumer demands. Overall, some of the main innovations in 2011 regarded the development of new formats such as flexible packaging, pouches with safer reclosable packets and more portable containers. Also, innovative packaging materials such as metalized film increased in 2011.
Another increasing trend in the packaging industry is the concern for environmentally friendly packaging solutions, such as glass. Sustainable packaging options increasingly use recyclable materials that exclude potentially toxic components and allow food manufacturers to better allocate their resources, such as the