IFFA 2019 – focus on packaging

Light packaging with the same or better properties and superior stability make an important contribution to greater sustainability and resource conservation. Low weight means savings on raw material, energy and transport costs, as well as easier handling.

Innovative skin packaging with cardboard backing permits attractive product presentations and lower material consumption. The thin cardboard backing has a protective polymer coating as barrier against fat, moisture and oxygen, which lends additional stability to the packaging. A transparent film is used to cover the product and backing like a second skin. This fixes the product to the cardboard and provides reliable protection.

Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) is evolving into the standard form of packaging for meat and sausage products. To this end, the air in the packaging is replaced by a mixture of gas suitable for the product, which can significantly retard the oxidative degradation process or the growth of microbes and mould. MAP can also reduce the breathability of the product, which results in an extended life in terms of freshness, taste and appealing appearance.

Multifunctional, active and intelligent packaging opens up completely new perspectives for the meat industry. Such packaging can monitor and record the environmental influences to which the product has been subjected along the value chain after the packaging stage. Integrated time-temperature indicators reveal the current quality status, degree of freshness, any breaches of the cool chain and whether the product is still suitable for consumption.

Packaging not only provides information about ingredients, quality or environmental labels and product origins but also gives the contents a face and generates purchasing impulses. Which products land in the consumer’s shopping basket is mostly the result of a spontaneous consumer decision in which the appeal of the packaging and information contained thereon play an important role. When there is hardly any difference in product quality, a better package design can make the emotional difference. Investments in innovative, high-grade packaging strengthens the brand image and soon offer a substantial return for manufacturers of branded goods.

IFFA – The No. 1 for the meat industry – in Frankfurt am Main from 4 to 9 May 2019 presents innovations for all stages of the meat-processing chain. Trade visitors can see modern packaging technology for meat and sausage products, as well as poultry and fish, on both floors of Hall 11. L

The run-up to IFFA 2019 is characterised by positive signs: more than 1,000 exhibitors from approx. 50 countries have already registered for the highlight of the sector and will occupy 120,000 square metres of exhibition space – eight percent more than at the previous event. The integration of the new Hall 12 gives IFFA the chance to expand. Additionally, the fair is being concentrated for the first time in the western section of Frankfurt Fair and Exhibition Centre, offering a comprehensive overview and a future-oriented trade-fair experience.

Source: IFFA