March/April 2022 - 24

PMMI THE ASSOCIATION FOR PACKAGING AND PROCESSING TECHNOLOGIES
Adopting more sustainable packaging solutions
S u s t a i n a b l e
packaging has been
on brand owners'
radar for decades, but
now consumers are
becoming more aware
and choosing brands
that
By Maria Ferrante
Senior Director
of Marketing and
Communications,
PMMI
important
show respect
for the environment.
Increased consumer
awareness now drives
produce processors to
look at new materials
to package products.
Recyclable packaging is most
to consumers because
recycling is a way consumers can
contribute to the sustainability
effort. However, recycling is handled
differently based on location, forcing
brands to adopt other sustainable
packaging options.
Beyond recyclable packaging, produce
processors have a host of new materials
to choose from when it comes to
enhancing their sustainability profile.
Antimicrobial packaging is a newer
example of how packaging contributes
to sustainability by helping to reduce
product waste. However,
the cost
hinders the development of this
type of packaging as well as the fact
that it requires major package and
equipment design changes. Made from
biodegradable clay, industry expert
Hayriye Unal from Sabanci University in
Turkey developed an antimicrobial film
that is well suited for produce packaging.
The packaging film reduces the
microbial and ripening activities of food,
keeping it fresh longer. Additionally,
the design of the reduced microbial
action reduces the potential for viral
or microbial diseases.
Edible packaging using several
different natural products is now
available for commercial use. So far,
the easily sourced chitosan is the most
effective, and this polysaccharide
possesses natural ant ibacterial
activities. Chitosan packaging is edible
24 MARCH/APR I L 2 02 2
and can protect food from multiple
mechanisms. It serves as a physical
barrier and prevents the direct contact
of microbes with food. This material
also inhibits the respiratory activity
of bacteria by blocking the oxygen
supply in the packaging. These edible
films are primarily used for fruits and
vegetables, but restaurants are looking
at this material for takeaway packaging.
The number of available products
made from bioplastics prepared from
biodegradable, renewable resources
such as starch, proteins, and polylactic
acid (PLA) has exploded recently.
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) has the
highest recycling rate of all the plastics
used for packaging. Typically produced
from feedstocks, it can replace some of
its petroleum-based components with
bio-based alternatives. Bio-based PET
is a relevant, economic, and effective
form of plastic packaging. It contains
an elastic texture with strong fibers
that allow it to replace other packaging
materials in containers, rigid bottles,
and films. Additionally, the materials
used for packaging will not compete
with a food source. The raw materials
are already waste or by-products, such
as rice hulls and wood chips.
Post-consumer recycled (PCR) resin is a
recycled plastic used for making packages
like water bottles, sheets, films, and other
containers. PCR is now in high demand
as many companies have set goals for
PCR content in their packaging.
CPS, continued from page 23
industry, and into the right academics.
To learn more about all of CPS's
funded projects, past and present,
and to register for the 2022 Research
Symposium, visit CPS's website at www.
CenterforProduceSafety.org.
- As vice president of food safety
and industry relations for Bonduelle
Fresh Americas (the U.S.-based, fresh
it,
Industries are rapidly adopting
including electronics,
pharmaceutical and medical packaging.
Up next in the PACK EXPO portfolio
of trade shows is PACK EXPO East
in Philadelphia (March 21-23, 2022;
Pennsylvania Convention Center),
produced by PMMI, The Association
for Packaging and Processing
Technologies. With 400 exhibitors,
PACK EXPO East provides a convenient
and rewarding opportunity for
consumer packaged goods (CPG) and
life sciences professionals to explore
packaging and processing technology,
connect with suppliers and find the
solutions needed to compete in a
changing marketplace conveniently
located just a drive or train-trip away
for most of the east coast.
To register or learn more, visit
packexpoeast.com. For information
about the PACK Ready Health and Safety
plan, visit packexpoeast.com/packready.
PACK EXPO East will be followed by
PACK EXPO International (Oct. 23-26,
2022; McCormick Place, Chicago), the
most comprehensive packaging and
processing show in 2022. Registration
opens this spring. For more information
about PMMI's flagship event, go to
packexpointernational.com.
- Maria Ferrante is the Senior Director
of Marketing and Communications for
PMMI, The Association for Packaging
and Processing Technologies.
produce business unit of Bonduelle), Tony
Banegas guides the company's food safety
standards for raw products and other
inputs, and interfaces with industry to
ensure that Bonduelle stays connected
to the hottest industry, regulatory and
technology food-safety topics. He is a
member of Center for Produce Safety's
volunteer Technical Committee, which
keeps CPS's research program focused
on finding solutions to fuel change in
fresh produce food safety.
retail,
http://www.packexpoeast.com http://www.packexpoeast.com/packready http://www.packexpointernational.com http://www.CenterforProduceSafety.org
March/April 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of March/April 2022
