Active packaging systems in food packaging for enhanced shelf life

Abstract

The growing population and receding land resources necessitate the use of produce to maximum extent and it is here that packaging plays an important role in enhancing the shelf life of food products through the supply chain. The improvements in packaging has led to the availability of a number of products yearlong across various parts of the world. Active packaging is one such technique that has help in keeping the food quality avoiding deterioration and consists of absorbers and emitters. Absorbers remove unwanted components that cause deteoration in the food from within and the surrounding environment whereas emitters are added compounds to the packaged food. In this method of preservation of foods, chemicals need not be added directly to foods but can be used in the packaging materials with minimal harmful effects.