Product Packaging 1
Dec 15, 2015
1
Product Packaging
Contents Functions of Packaging
Types of Packaging
Packaging Considerations
Packaging Trends
Labelling
Introduction to PackagingOver time how we purchase food has changed
Previously food sold ‘loose’ or in paper bags
Advances in technology mean most food now sold pre-packed
Packaging plays a vital role in delivery of food from manufacturer to consumer in a desired state
Packaging surrounds, enhances and protects the goods we purchase
Functions of Packaging Physical protection
Barrier protection
Convenience
Marketing
Information transmission
Functions of PackagingPhysical Protection
Primary packagingSecondary packaging
Barrier Protection Prevents unwanted physical, microbiological
and chemical contamination
Functions of PackagingConvenience
Changing society – busier lifestylesEasy openReady meals
MarketingPackaging used as advertisementAdds to appeal of product
Functions of Packaging Information transmission
Packaging displays information about the productServing suggestions, price, nutritional content
Security Deters tampering Anti contaminant devices
Types of PackagingAll materials used to package food have
economic and practical reason for their use
Main types of packaging include:GlassPlasticMetalsPaper and paper based products
GlassOne of oldest packaging materials
Today alternatives can be found in form of toughened plastic
Pros Cons
Presents item clearly Heavy
Reusable Safety issues
Heat resistant Costly to manufactur
Recyclable
Plastic Lightweight – easily transportable
Resistant to acids/chemicals
Versatile – flexible and rigid, able to mould
Able to print onto
Relatively cheap to produce
Plastic Wrapping Thin plastic covering used as protective layer
Opportunity for labelling
Unable to see product
Offers little protection
Premium biscuits placed on plastic tray and covered
Metals Aluminium commonly used as a packaging material
Recyclable
Lightweight
Moisture and light unable to penetrate
Recently moved towards plastic tubes of sweets
Ring pull tin opening – difficult with limited mobility
Paper and paper based Packaging
Both economical and practical in its usage
Lightweight – easily transported
Relatively cheap to produce
Easy to print on
Derived from renewable resources Biodegradable
Combination Packaging Very popular today
Plastic packaging with cardboard sleeve
Able to view product before purchase and read manufacturers information
Packaging Considerations
Environmental Concerns Between a quarter and a third of all domestic waste is
packaging, much of which is food packaging
Packaging waste management is therefore one of the most important environmental issues to affect the food and drink industry
Some consumers will choose environmentally friendly products
Food Waste It is vital the consumer plays a part in minimising food wastage
If waste is excessive, management need to determine how this can be minimised
Some stores use ‘chill chains’ to pro long shelf life and ensure safety
Packaging can be designed in such a way to reduce
food waste
Ethical IssuesOver packaging creates waste
Using materials that can be recycled is desirable
Deceptive packaging Similar designs to deceive the consumer
Fairtrade
Safety/Allergy PoliciesPackaging must be tamper proof from it’s
production to it’s final sale
If product is produced in a factory where nuts are present, the statement: ‘may contain nuts’ must be declaredOn almost all products today Limits food intake of those with serious allergy
Hygiene in the Food Industry HACCP
Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points
Method of Quality Assurance
Prevents/reduces risk of biological, physical or chemical contamination in the food industry
Quality Control Check
HACCP Failures Horse meat scandal
Horsemeat discovered in processed beef products in January 2013
Resulted in series of product recalls
Thrown the spotlight on the food industry’s supply chain
Inspired stricter food testing regime over Europe
HACCP Failures
More than 170 people had contracted E.coli in an outbreak in October 2013 at Flicks restaurant Belfast
Packaging Trends
Distinctive Packaging Packaging should be identified and recognised
by the consumerBy its shape, colour and size
Many designs and shapes patented to prohibit replication
Brand Recognition Design of packaging can help to sell the product
Consumer identifies product just by viewing the product, logo, tag line, packaging or advertising campaign
Coca Cola recognized by everyone across the globe One of first companies to spend more money on
marketing their product than on the product itselfCurvaceous bottle and red and white branding are
known world wide
Children Products especially aimed at children
Placed at eye level with brightly coloured designs
Pester power increases family spend by 30%
Seasonal PackagingProducts are given a different design depending
on the time of year
Redesigned Packaging
Marked Price ProductsThose products with pricing on the packaging
Consumers feels they are getting best value for their money
Shops often refuse to buy Cannot sell for higher price that than markedLower profit
PouchesNew trend
Resealable – keep fresh
Aesthetically pleasing
Labelling
http://www.safefood.eu/SafeFood/media/SafeFoodLibrary/Documents/Education/Whats%20on%20a%20label/GCSE-Food-Labelling-Requirements-Classroom-Slides.pdf
ConclusionFood packaging protects and preserves food.
A range of materials can be used for packaging, some of which are environmentally friendly.
Labels carry information for the consumer. Some of this information is required by law.
Consumers are attracted to innovative package design
The main purposes of food packaging are: to preserve the product to protect the product from damage to make the product more attractive to the consumer to make it easier to transport the product
References Paine, F.A. and Paine, (H.Y. 1992). A Handbook of Food Packaging, Blackie
Academic and Professional: London
Hutton, E. (2003). Food Packaging: an introduction, Gloucestershire: Campden &
Chorleywood Food Research Association Group
Roberson, G. (1993). Food Packaging – Principals and Practice, Marcel Dekker
Inc: New York
The Food & Drink Innovation Network, http://www.fdin.org.uk, (Accessed 3rd
December 2012)
Food Standards Agency, http://www.food.gov.uk, (Accessed 3rd December 2012)