Characteristics of Flexible Food Packaging Materials, 2006 PLACE Conference

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All food packages can be generally described by the three fundamental forms of rigid, semi-rigid and flexible. Rigid forms of food packaging have experienced a long history of use. However, the flexible packaging market has experienced exceptional growth in recent years due to several factors such as increased consumer demand for package convenience, numerous package styles and high quality package graphics compared to metal or glass. Over the years, many rigid food packages have met the shelf life requirements (moisture barrier, oxygen barrier, light barrier, etc.) from a single, homogeneous material such as steel, aluminum and glass. However, flexible food packages are typically composed of a combination of materials in an effort to achieve these desired properties. As a result, flexible packaging converters, designers, and users are now required to have a thorough understanding of the specific needs of each packaged food product in order to design flexible materials that will provide maximum shelf life. This presentation will cover the essential flexible packaging material requirements for various food products.