Factors affecting packaging materials

Considering the relative barrier and inertness properties of packaging materials, how will these factors affect the shelf life of the product packaged in it ... 

Fig. 18.2 Experimental set-up for studies investigating factors affecting gas phase transfer (Jickells et al., 2004) (a) investigating influence of primary packaging material and concentration of substances in secondary packaging material ...

The above has to be established by laboratory testing prior to a formal stability programme. As with all pack selections, detailed knowledge of the product, the packaging materials and the process to be employed is an essential requirement. Blister packs are unlikely to give sufficient protection to products severely affected by moisture, oxygen, carbon dioxide, as all known plastic materials are to some degree permeable to these factors. 

The quality of a food product depends on its moisture content, extent of oxidation, concentration of flavor and odor components, and combinations of these factors. Maintenance of these factors at acceptable levels is governed by the permeability of the packaging system and the conditions of transport, storage, and marketing considerations. However, the choice of a packaging material or container for particular food storage is affected by several factors. 

Many industrial processes require accurate environmental control. Examples include chemical reactions and processes that are affected by atmospheric conditions biochemical reactions quality, uniformity, and standardization of certain products factors such as rate of crystallization and size of crystals product moisture content or regain deliquescence, lumping, and caking of hygroscopic materials expansion and contraction of macliines and products physical, chemical, and biological cleanliness effects of static electricity odors and fumes conditions in storage and packaging quality of painted and lacquered finishes simulation of stratosphere or space conditions and productivity and comf ort of workers. Controlled atmospheric conditions are... 

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