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Packaging Trends

Immer in Bewegung

© KRONES AG

The carousel of substitution and re-substitution of packaging materials continues turning. One engine of this movement is the respective raw material prices, another is the taste of the times and consumer habits, and another is innovation in the materials and in design. Finely finished, printed corrugated cardboard is in demand as shelf-ready packaging. “Active packaging” that keeps foodstuffs fresh for longer is being discussed. This can, for example, be a film that releases antibacterial substances. Whereas this kind of packaging is becoming increasingly widespread in Japan, EU foods regulations made its introduction difficult until 2005. The trade and industry are also sceptical about the possible reaction of the consumers – after all, this is a matter of substances that affect food. In the field of biologically degradable plastics, new materials were introduced at the beginning of the decade that are expected to find broader application. For the time being, however, fruit and vegetables continue to be packed with bio-plastics. Here, for example, the gas permeability of reinforcing foil ensures that no condensation water forms.

New possibilities for PET

The substitution of glass continues in beverage filling. Bottles made of PET are accepted by the consumer and are being used for more and more varieties of beverages. The filling technology for PET is being improved. It is becoming possible to fill juice with cold aseptic procedures. Sufficient shelf-life can be achieved without preservatives. Beer and wine are still a real bastion of the glass bottle.