Gas Barrier Packaging

Abstract

Gas barrier packaging prolongs the shelf life of foods by protecting food quality and providing consumer safety. Advances in food processing technology have led to the development of new gas barrier materials to replace glass and metal packaging. Although the use of polymeric packaging is now commonplace, researchers still strive to improve gas barrier packaging and thus the quality of the food supply. Polymers such as ethylene vinyl alcohol, nylons, and polyethylene terephthalate in a multilayer structure significantly enhance the barrier functionality. However, there is a need of further improvement in barrier performance. Nanotechnology and other techniques such as layer multiplication and smart blending have shown considerable promise in high-barrier food packaging innovations. This article summarizes recent advances in high-barrier food packaging technology.