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Food Packaging Research Group

Innovative and sustainable packaging materials and processes for safe, high quality food.

The main goal of the Food Packaging Research Group is to develop innovative and sustainable packaging materials and processes to ensure that food is of high quality and safe.

Packaging plays an important role in maintaining food quality from production to consumption. Two important trends are currently driving the development of packaging materials: the trend in consumer preferences for minimally processed food without preservatives; and the demand for sustainable packaging products. In order to satisfy the needs of these trends, we develop innovative and sustainable packaging materials in close cooperation with food and packaging manufacturers.

Research Fields

Innovative Packaging Materials

Active and intelligent packaging is an example an innovative packaging technology. In contrast to traditional packaging materials, active packaging can play a further role, in addition to the passive barrier function, that ensures the quality of the food is maintained. Intelligent or smart packages allow the current quality status of a foodstuff to be monitored and communicated to the outside. In close collaboration with industry partners, we develop innovative active packaging materials such as:

  • Oxygen scavengers
  • Antimicrobial films
  • Antioxidant releasers

Development and Optimization of Food Packaging Processes

Determining the most suitable packaging process depends on the type of food. At the Food Packaging Research Group, we work closely with the food and packaging industries and support them by:

  • applying existing processes to new applications
  • optimising packaging processes to better preserve the quality of food
  • developing new packaging processes for existing or new products

Biopackaging

Biopackaging is made from renewable and/or biodegradable resources and can replace conventional packaging materials. However, technological properties of bioplastics often do not fulfil the desired performance criteria for application as a primary packaging material in the food industry. At the Food Packaging Research Group, we work on the development of bio-based packaging materials and in close cooperation with various food and packaging manufacturers optimise processes for their application in food packaging.

Shelf Life Simulation

Shelf life of food is very complex and depends on different factors. In addition to the food’s intrinsic properties, packaging also plays an important role. At the Food Packaging Research Group, we are developing a shelf life simulation programme to simulate the shelf life of various packaged food products. This tool will enable the influence of each individual factor, such as packaging design, material and process to be simulated so that the packaging can be optimised for a targeted shelf life. Possible applications of such a tool will be:

  • Optimisation of packaging materials
  • Evaluation of alternative packaging materials
  • Definition of suitable packaging for a targeted shelf life
  • Definition of packaging for new products
  • Optimisation of packaging process and storage conditions 

Infrastructure

Publications

Projects

Further confidential industry projects

Team