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Evolution of Food Packaging and Its Effect on Human Food
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This review traces the evolution of food packaging materials from ancient times to the present, covering the transition from natural materials to modern plastics and the associated concerns about chemical migration and microplastic generation. It discusses biodegradable and active packaging alternatives as part of sustainable food system innovation.
Packaging is an integral part of our food systems that has shown a continuous path of innovation. From ancient times to now, packaging has been a mode of containing food, protecting food, providing convenience to consumers, and being a means for manufacturers to communicate with consumers. A food packaging system involves using different packaging materials, such as packaging, filling, and sealing equipment, working harmoniously to achieve these functions. The evolution of packaging started from natural wood, clay, and animal materials and changed to modern-day materials such as paper, metals, and glass, as well as advanced materials such as synthetic polymers, biopolymers, and nanocomposites. It is now in a state where nanomaterials are being incorporated into food packaging as well. The evolution of filling and sealing systems has also undergone revolutionary changes, such as the evolution of the conventional canning process in the more advanced aseptic packaging technology. The beauty of these innovations is that the food we consume has evolved with the advancements in packaging technology. This chapter describes the evolution of different food packaging materials and packaging technologies and how they have supported us to make food safer as well as more abundant while addressing issues related to food packaging such as solid waste, microplastics, and material migration.
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