Food and beverage industry needs to replace traditional packages with advanced solutions that extend shelf life and improve product sustainability, according to Vivek A Chougule, managing director, Printpack Packaging Supplies (India) Pvt. Ltd.
This is where barrier containers are seen as a significant value addition to preserve food. Increasing shelf-stable food is possible only with sophisticated packaging technology and sterilisation.
“Using Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) food is simultaneously heated externally by pressurised hot water, and internally by a patented microwave system. Food rapidly reaches sterilisation temperature, significantly reducing process time and heat damage. It provides better quality and higher nutritional value, moreover the microwave sterilisation technique is approved by the US FDA,” he said.
In his presentation on ‘Enabling New Markets and Applications Using Barrier Packaging Technology - Indian Food Processing Industry,’ Chougule at a recent one-day workshop that highlighted packaging innovations, pointed out that it was high time India focussed on value-added processed food exports. As of 2014, only 26 per cent Indian households had a fridge. The problem was compounded by frequent power shortage.
“Many distributors, wholesalers & retailers lack adequate cold transport and storage. Convenience stores are filling gap between kirana and super/hyper markets. The entry of e-retailing has seen online grocery sites increasing from 13 in 2013 to 44 as of September 2014. There is competitive pricing, variety, home delivery and payment options driving the growth. This opens up the market for MAP because of the growing demand for shelf-stable dairy and juices are seen to gain fast acceptance,” stated Chougule.
An oversupply of milk creates an opportunity for dairy-based value-added products. Vegetable and fruits juices too are tipped as one of the fastest-growing category. There are several product innovations with fruit and vegetable pulp and pieces. These have given an entry to packaging innovations: form fill seal (FFS) cups and hot fill bottles which are ready to be filled packages being conveyed to the filler. Here the heat transfer from the liquid to the package creates elongation of the bottles.
Growth of the food service industry with the rise of restaurants and the shortage of cooks/chefs has created a demand for convenient modes of service. The focus is on cost control, quality, hygiene and space besides co-branding. MAP applications to parcel and present food creations are also increasing opportunities for packaging companies, according to Chougule.
India has a diverse agri-climate. Most of the exports are bulk packs with limited value-added finished product exports. With advanced packaging solutions such as MAP, the country keeps pace with the latest trends. Further, there are opportunities for contract manufacturing for packaging companies to cater to the orders of the F&B sector.
MAP enables launch of shelf-stable products to reach larger markets and distribution channels. Barrier containers are lightweight, non-breakable which can be manufactured with less energy consumption. “Moreover these containers are customised and economical. It is available in a wide range of colours and prints, easy to open and use besides being recyclable,” informed Chougule.
