Packaging technology for home meal replacement: Innovations and future prospective. (February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bumbudsanpharoke, Nattinee; Ko, Seonghyuk
• Is Part Of: Food control. Volume 132(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-02
• Subjects: Packaging technology -- Home meal replacement -- Ready-to-eat -- Smart packaging -- Intelligent packaging -- Future trends; Food -- Quality -- Periodicals; Food -- Analysis -- Periodicals; Food handling -- Periodicals; Food industry and trade -- Quality control -- Periodicals; Aliments -- Industrie et commerce -- Qualité -- Contrôle -- Périodiques; Aliments -- Qualité -- Périodiques; Aliments -- Analyse -- Périodiques; Hygiène alimentaire -- Périodiques; Food -- Analysis; Food handling; Food -- Quality; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 664.07
• DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2021.108470
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0956-7135

Abstract

Abstract: The global demand for home meal replacement (HMR) products has been increasing because of changing consumer behavior toward convenience foods. Although the quality of food products is the most important factor in the decision to purchase, packaging also has a decisive influence on customer choice. Therefore, the importance of packaging technology in the HMR industry has increased significantly. Depending on the packed food requirements, appropriate packaging technology can provide significant benefits to both producers and consumers. Active packaging technology, such as modified atmosphere and antimicrobial packaging, has received considerable attention because of its potential to prolong the product shelf-life, while intelligent packaging technology such as colorimetric indicators and radio-frequency identification labels can monitor the real-time condition of the packed food and communicate with consumers. Packaging technology keeps evolving in response to the growing challenges from industry and society. This review aims to provide information about innovative and commercialized packaging technologies applied to HMR products. Recognized packaging technologies have been discussed, including easy-peel adhesive, microwave susceptor, and intelligent packaging. In addition, the influence of external factors, such as modern consumer behavior, recent global issues such as circular economy and pandemics, and emerging technology on packaging trends, are evaluated and discussed for future development. Highlights: Shifts in consumer preferences for convenience foods have increased global demand for HMR products. Packaging is critical for quality control of HMR products. Consumers benefit from advanced materials and functional packaging. Intelligent packaging is becoming more prevalent in chilled and frozen foods. Greener and safer food packaging is being considered due to global issues.