Food packaging
Packaging is an essential part of processing and distributing food.
Packaging technology must balance food protection with other issues, including energy and material costs, environmental and social impact. The goal of food packaging is to contain food in a cost-effective way that maintains food safety, meets consumer demands, and minimizes environmental impact.
| Material | Advantages | Disadvantage |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic | Versatile, lightweight, cheap | Poor gas barrier |
| Glass | Reusable, heat-resistant, recyclable, low-cost | Fragile, heavy |
| Metal | Recyclable, impermeable, withstands heat processing | May react with food |
| Card/Paper | Cheap, biodegradable, lightweight, recyclable | Easily damaged |