The successful employment of food packaging can greatly improve product safety and quality, making the area a key concern to the food processing industry. Emerging food packaging technologies reviews advances in packaging materials, the design and implementation of smart packaging techniques, and developments in response to growing concerns about packaging sustainability. Part one of Emerging food packaging technologies focuses on developments in active packaging, reviewing controlled release packaging, active antimicrobials and nanocomposites in packaging, and edible chitosan coatings. Part two goes on to consider intelligent packaging and how advances in the consumer/packaging interface can improve food safety and quality. Developments in packaging material are analysed in part three, with nanocomposites, emerging coating technologies, light-protective and non-thermal process packaging discussed, alongside a consideration of the safety of plastics as food packaging materials. Finally, part four explores the use of eco-design, life cycle assessment, and the utilisation of bio-based polymers in the production of smarter, environmentally-compatible packaging. With its distinguished editors and international team of expert contributors, Emerging food packaging technologies is an indispensable reference work for all those responsible for the design, production and use of food and beverage packaging, as well as a key source for researchers in this area.

With a wealth of illustrations, examples, discussion questions, and case studies, the Food Packaging Science and Technology covers basic principles and technologies as well as advanced topics such as active, intelligent, and sustainable packaging with unparalleled depth and breadth of scope. Emphasizing the application of relevant scientific principles to create effective designs and quality products, an international team of contributors draws on their collective experience to equip you with the necessary knowledge and tools to tackle modern food packaging problems.

Divided into four parts, this book begins with an extensive discussion of packaging materials science. Contributions review the basic concepts of chemical and physical properties as they relate to food packaging. They cover gas permeation and migration and give detailed information on the four basic types of packaging materials: plastics, glass, metal, and cellulosic. The second part applies the previous information to the field of packaging technologies. Traditional methods and concepts such as end-of-line operations, permeation and migration, canning and aseptic packaging, and vacuum/modified atmosphere packaging are juxtaposed with the more advanced technologies of microwaveable packaging, active packaging, and intelligent packaging.

Part 3 discusses shelf life determination and elements of storage stability and packaging requirements of various food categories. The final part presents issues related to packaging sociology, addressing sustainable packaging, as well as sociological and legislative considerations.