Food Safety
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Food Safety
  • NEWS
    • Latest News
    • White Papers
  • PRODUCTS
  • TOPICS
    • Contamination Control
    • Food Types
    • Management
    • Process Control
    • Regulatory
    • Sanitation
    • Supply Chain
    • Testing and Analysis
  • PODCAST
  • EXCLUSIVES
    • Food Safety Five Newsreel
    • eBooks
    • FSM Distinguished Service Award
    • Interactive Product Spotlights
    • Videos
  • BUYER'S GUIDE
  • MORE
    • ENEWSLETTER >
      • Archive Issues
      • Subscribe to eNews
    • Store
    • Sponsor Insights
  • WEBINARS
  • FOOD SAFETY SUMMIT
  • EMAG
    • eMagazine
    • Archive Issues
    • Editorial Advisory Board
    • Contact
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP!

Materials Technology: Shelf-life extending packaging

How spoilage-stopping solutions can combat a global crisis

Packaging technologies fight food waste

By Sean Hael
Materials and Shelf Life Stock image
Shelf-life extending packaging solutions are especially ideal for natural and organic foods, which have fewer preservatives.
materials and shelf life stats
Shelf-life extending packaging solutions are especially ideal for natural and organic foods, which have fewer preservatives.
Materials and Shelf Life Stock image
materials and shelf life stats
November 10, 2017

A  whopping one third – 1.3 billion tons – of the food produced for human consumption worldwide is lost every year. Americans throw out about 40% of the food they produce annually, the equivalent of $165 billion.1 When one in six Americans lack food security, the amount of food discarded every year is even more startling.2 However, consumers are largely uneducated about how packaging can protect fresh foods. Only 13% of consumers understand that keeping food in original packaging keeps it fresher for longer, and 61% think that fruits and vegetables “go off” more quickly in packaging.3 

In fact, packaging can do just the opposite. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identifies extended shelf life technologies as solutions that packaging suppliers can use to combat food waste.4

A large part of the responsibility to fight food waste falls on packaging suppliers and brands. Fortunately, brands can take advantage of innovative technologies that can help extend the shelf life of products, especially as consumers demand more products with few or no preservatives. One important example is oxygen absorbing technology that can be incorporated into packaging to help food last up to two times longer on the store shelf. An oxygen absorber that is incorporated as a layer within packaging film has been demonstrated to protect products from oxygen degradation, enabling the color, texture and taste to be preserved much longer than previously possible.

Made of polyolefins (PP/PE) that are activated with an iron-based formulation, this oxygen-absorbing film layer can protect food from outside air that may penetrate the interior of the packaging, while absorbing the oxygen that remains within inside sealed packaging.

Reducing oxygen, strengthening brands

By incorporating an oxygen-absorbing film layer as part of a flexible package, the oxygen concentration within a sealed environment can be reduced to 0.1% or less. This has the effect of extending the shelf life by up to two times, and in some cases, for longer. By so reducing the threat of oxidation, the technology also preserves food’s original colors, flavors and textures, and it eliminates the need for added chemicals and preservatives.

In addition, oxygen absorbers protect the quality of fats and oils, which deteriorate when they react with oxygen in the retort packaging process. Another critical advantage is that nutrients like Vitamin C and E, which are vulnerable to degradation, can be preserved, making this technology especially important for organic and wellness brands.

Oxygen within sealed food packaging speeds the growth of micro-organisms and enzymes, leading to food spoilage. Oxidation results in quality loss in the fats and fatty portions of foods, creating unpleasant odors and flavors often described as rancid, oil-like or fishy. Not surprisingly, this makes food undesirable to consumers.

Studies from Johns Hopkins and Ohio State University have shown that 60% of people throw out food because they want to eat only the freshest foods they have. Customers are also uneducated on how long it takes for food to go bad. Sixty-five percent of people in the Ohio State study said that they discarded food because they were worried about food poisoning. When brands incorporate oxygen absorbers into packaging, customers can see their food tasting and looking fresher for longer, resulting in less food waste.5

Oxygen absorbers have applications in an array of food categories, including liquid-based soups, sauces, dips, protein bars, wet pet foods and organic foods. Studies indicate that they work best with products with high water activity or high moisture content, and which are subject to heat treating processes like retort packaging. When an oxygen absorber is introduced, the heat treatment from retort will have a less degrading impact on foods. Oxygen molecules that are activated during retort would normally begin to degrade food within the packaging, but instead they can be absorbed. This means nutrients like Vitamin C and thiamine, as well as pigments such as chlorophyll and lycopene – which give food its fresh, appealing color – remain largely intact.

A win-win for natural and organic food brands

Shelf-life extending packaging solutions are especially ideal for natural and organic foods, which have fewer preservatives. As 84% of Americans choose foods with “free-from” claims because they are seeking more natural and less processed foods, packaging solutions that protect food’s natural flavors, textures and vitamins provide a solution for wellness-oriented brands.6 Such packaging eliminates the need for added sodium, spices and preservatives, all of which can be turnoffs for clean-eating consumers. 

The benefits of shelf-life extending packaging go beyond consumers and brands. The USDA estimates that supermarkets lose $15 billion annually in unsold fruit and vegetables alone.7 Shelf-life extending technologies can help reduce food waste and save retailers on associated costs. They also give food processors, food manufacturers, food distributors and food retailers more control over product quality, availability and costs. And longer freshness cycles allow grocers to slow the product rotation, removal and restocking cycle, reducing food waste and the associated labor and waste disposal costs. 

Packaging designers and food companies face a unique challenge – to reduce food waste while balancing consumer desires, regulations, safety, branding and product protections. The amount of food waste worldwide has broad impacts on food security, resource conservation and climate change. The land, water, labor, energy and other inputs used in producing, processing, transporting, preparing, storing and disposing of discarded food are pulled away from uses that may have been more beneficial to society – and generate impacts on the environment that may endanger the long-term health of the planet.

In short, improvements to packaging can reduce food waste. By adopting and implementing technology like oxygen-absorbing films, the food packaging industry can do its part to alleviate this global problem.

  1. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/11/041123095923.htm
     
  2. https://www.nrdc.org/sites/default/files/wasted-food-IP.pdf
     
  3. https://assets.rockefellerfoundation.org/app/uploads/20170329165939/Reducing-Food-Waste-by-Changing-the-Way-Consumers-Interact-with-Food.pdf
     
  4. https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-09/documents/bukowski.pdf
     
  5. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2017/05/30/why-americans-waste-so-much-food/355864001/
     
  6. http://www.mintel.com/press-centre/food-and-drink/84-of-americans-buy-free-from-foods-because-they-believe-them-to-be-more-natural-or-less-processed
     
  7. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2012/08/22/how-food-actually-gets-wasted-in-the-united-states/?utm_term=.32701a1964b3

Mitsubishi Gas Chemical America has been leading the way in the fields of basic chemicals to specialty and advanced materials in the United States since 1984. As a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company Inc. in Tokyo, MGCA follows the same company motto, “To offer unique products through original technology.” With Tokyo leading the charge and developing innovative new technologies and materials, MGCA strives to bring that excellence to the shores of the United States of America.

For more information, visit mgc-a.com.

This article was originally posted on www.packagingstrategies.com.

This article was originally posted on www.packagingstrategies.com.
KEYWORDS: film food packaging material oxygen absorber product line oxygen absorbing packaging technology shelf stable

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Sean Hael is marketing and sales manager for Mitsubishi Gas Chemical America

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
to unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • people holding baby chicks

    Serovar Differences Matter: Utility of Deep Serotyping in Broiler Production and Processing

    This article discusses the significance of Salmonella in...
    Microbiological
    By: Nikki Shariat Ph.D.
  • woman washing hands

    Building a Culture of Hygiene in the Food Processing Plant

    Everyone entering a food processing facility needs to...
    Sanitation
    By: Richard F. Stier, M.S.
  • graphical representation of earth over dirt

    Climate Change and Emerging Risks to Food Safety: Building Climate Resilience

    This article examines the multifaceted threats to food...
    International
    By: Maria Cristina Tirado Ph.D., D.V.M. and Shamini Albert Raj M.A.
Manage My Account
  • eMagazine Subscription
  • Subscribe to eNewsletter
  • Manage My Preferences
  • Website Registration
  • Subscription Customer Service

More Videos

Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content is a special paid section where industry companies provide high quality, objective, non-commercial content around topics of interest to the Food Safety Magazine audience. All Sponsored Content is supplied by the advertising company and any opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily reflect the views of Food Safety Magazine or its parent company, BNP Media. Interested in participating in our Sponsored Content section? Contact your local rep!

close
  • mold
    Sponsored byIFC

    Tackling Mold Remediation in Food Processing Plants

  • a worker in a food processing plant
    Sponsored byLPS® DETEX®

    How a Beverage Facility Improved Food Safety and Compliance with Detectable Packaging Solutions

  • Two men standing in a produce storage facility having a discussion.
    Sponsored byOrkin Commercial

    Staying Compliant With FSMA

Popular Stories

sunflower oil

Louisiana Passes ‘MAHA’ Bill Targeting More Than 40 Ingredients, Including Seed Oils, Dyes, Sweeteners

smoked salmon in oil

Study Shows Food Type Significantly Affects Listeria’s Ability to Survive Digestion, Cause Sickness

Justin Ransom and Denise Eblen

USDA-FSIS Announces Dr. Justin Ransom as New Administrator

Events

July 15, 2025

Hygienic Design Risk Management: Industry Challenges and Global Insights

Live: July 15, 2025 at 11:00 am EDT: From this webinar, attendees will learn the importance of hygienic design to ensure food safety and sanitation effectiveness.

July 22, 2025

Beyond the Binder: Digital Management of Food Safety

Live: July 22, 2025 at 3:00 pm EDT: During this webinar, attendees will learn best practices for the use of digital food safety management systems across industry and regulatory agencies.

August 7, 2025

Achieve Active Managerial Control of Major Risk Factors Using a Food Safety Management System

Live: August 7, 2025 at 2:00 pm EDT: From this webinar, attendees will learn about changes to the FDA Food Code, which now includes a requirement for FSMS. 

View All

Products

Global Food Safety Microbial Interventions and Molecular Advancements

Global Food Safety Microbial Interventions and Molecular Advancements

See More Products
Environmental Monitoring Excellence eBook

Related Articles

  • New 3M Petrifilm Plate to Help Food Companies Combat Spoilage, Waste

    See More
  • microscopic view of germ

    An Opportunity to Reimagine: How the Pandemic Can Improve Our Global Food System

    See More
  • The Future of Food: How to Correct and Prevent a Food Safety Crisis

    See More

Related Products

See More Products
  • 1119053595.jpg

    Food Safety for the 21st Century: Managing HACCP and Food Safety throughout the Global Supply Chain, 2E

  • global food.jpg

    Global Food Safety Microbial Interventions and Molecular Advancements

  • 9781138198463.jpg

    Food Safety Management Programs: Applications, Best Practices, and Compliance

See More Products

Related Directories

  • Magnattack Global

    Specialists with over 50 years of experience in foreign metal fragment control and magnetic separation solutions for the food and pharmaceutical industries worldwide. Magnattack offer powerful magnetic separation solutions and magnet validation services.
  • A&B Ingredients

    A&B Ingredients is a manufacturer and distributor of unique specialty ingredients to the food industry. We specialize in natural, clean-label, plant-based ingredients for food safety and shelf life extension in food and beverage products. Our CytoGUARD portfolio includes antimicrobials, yeast and mold inhibitors, natural preservatives, and antioxidants. We also provide turn-key solutions for sodium reduction with natural lower sodium sea salts.
  • Zenith Global Ltd.

    Expert food and drink industry consultants. Market analysis, strategy, international expansion, acquisition support. Also technical services from water and environment to feasibility and operations. Clients range from multinationals to start-ups. Email rhall@zenithglobal.com to find out more.
×

Never miss the latest news and trends driving the food safety industry

eNewsletter | Website | eMagazine

JOIN TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Directories
    • Store
    • Want More
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eMagazine
    • eNewsletter
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Marketing Services
    • Reprints
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing