How barrier films extend
shelf life and reduce waste.
Protecting your food products.
In the competitive world of food production, the right packaging can make all the difference. Barrier films are essential for preserving the quality and extending the shelf life of food products by protecting them from environmental factors like light, moisture, and oxygen. At FoodPak, we’re experts in food preservation and passionate about helping you find the best solutions to keep your products fresh and your customers satisfied. Part of that product protection is a depth of knowledge in barrier films.
The basics of barrier films.
Barrier films are specialized materials used in food packaging to protect contents from external factors that could compromise their quality. These films serve as a shield against elements that cause spoilage and degradation, including light, moisture, and oxygen. The goal is simple: to ensure that food products maintain their freshness, taste, and nutritional value for as long as possible.
Extending shelf life and reducing food waste
Effective packaging plays a pivotal role in reducing food waste. By utilizing barrier films tailored to specific products, you can extend the shelf life of your goods, maintain their quality, and reduce the amount of spoiled or wasted food.
Maintaining freshness
Barrier films prevent a variety of environmental factors that can degrade food quality. This keeps products fresher for longer, reducing the amount of food spoilage and wasted food at the retail and consumer levels.
Preventing punctured product
Durable, puncture-resistant films help minimize damage during handling and transport, ensuring that more of your product reaches the consumer in perfect condition.
Consumer satisfaction
By delivering products that stay fresh and appealing for extended periods, you enhance customer satisfaction and reduce the likelihood of returns and complaints that can negatively impact your brand image.
Types of barriers.
1. UV barriers.
Exposure to light, especially ultraviolet (UV) light, can cause food to deteriorate rapidly through a process called photo-oxidation. It can lead to color changes, nutrient loss, and off-flavors, which are particularly problematic for products like dairy, nuts, meats, oils, and some beverages.
Solution: Metallized films or can effectively prevent light penetration, protecting sensitive products from photodegradation. Some films may contain additives or coatings that reflect or absorb harmful rays, but opaque films are the most effective at blocking light. By shielding your food products from light, you ensure they retain their intended appearance, flavor, and nutritional integrity, contributing to longer shelf life and reduced spoilage.
2. Atmosphere barriers.
Oxygen is a key culprit in the oxidation process, which can lead to rancidity in fats and oils, nutrient degradation, and off-flavors. It also promotes the growth of aerobic microorganisms that can spoil food.
Some products, like smoked fish, require a very low oxygen barrier. That’s because the microbes in these products thrive in anaerobic (no oxygen) conditions, so it’s best to choose the level of barrier that’s right for your product.
Moisture in the air can also wreak havoc on food products by causing them to become soggy, clump together, or grow mold. For dry goods, even minimal exposure to humidity can lead to a loss of crispness or texture, making them unappealing to consumers.
Solution: Oxygen barrier films are crucial for preserving the freshness of products prone to oxidation and moisture damage. Materials like EVOH, polyamide (nylon), and metalized and aluminum-lined film provide better resistance to oxygen and moisture transmission. These films can protect products from oxidation and microbial spoilage, thus extending shelf life. For products that require aerobic (oxygen rich) conditions, breathable films can be used instead.
3. Mechanical barriers.
Packaging that can’t withstand the rigors of transportation and handling can lead to compromised products and increased waste. Punctures or tears in the packaging not only reduce shelf life but can also pose safety and contamination risks.
Solution: Puncture-resistant films are crafted from durable materials like polyamide (nylon), thicker films, or cast films (which are films produced in a way that creates a stronger material than their blown counterparts) that provide mechanical strength. These films are designed to endure rough shipping conditions without compromising their clear and colourful printed properties. By choosing puncture-resistant films, you reduce the likelihood of package damage, ensuring that your products arrive fresh and intact.
Choosing the right barrier film with FoodPak
Selecting the appropriate barrier film for your product can be a complex task. Our team of experts is here to help you navigate the options and find the best solution for your specific needs. Whether you’re dealing with sensitive meats, crunchy snacks, or anything in between, we’ve got the packaging solutions to keep your products at their best.
Together, we can extend shelf life, reduce food waste, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Contact a FoodPak sales rep to consult on barrier packaging for your products.
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