Impact of Food Packaging Materials on the Shelf-Life and Quality of Packaged Food Products

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the impact of food packaging materials on the shelf-life and quality of packaged food products. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to food packaging materials on the shelf-life and quality of packaged food products. Preliminary empirical review revealed that the choice of packaging material significantly influenced the preservation and quality of food items. Various studies demonstrated that different materials, such as plastics, biodegradable polymers, and paper-based materials, offered distinct advantages depending on the specific food product. While plastics provided excellent barrier properties, concerns over environmental sustainability led to increasing interest in alternative materials. The study emphasized the importance of balancing functional requirements with environmental considerations and highlighted the need for ongoing research and innovation in developing sustainable packaging solutions. Overall, the findings underscored the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure the safety, freshness, and sustainability of packaged food products. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Diffusion theory, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Conservation of Resources theory may be used to anchor future studies on food packaging materials on the shelf-life and quality of packaged food products. The study provided several recommendations that contributed to theory, practice, and policy in the field of food packaging. It recommended further exploration into theoretical frameworks surrounding consumer behavior and perception, as well as the adoption of a holistic approach to packaging design and optimization. Additionally, the study advocated for the development of evidence-based guidelines and regulations, implementation of supply chain traceability initiatives, and labeling regulations to enhance consumer trust and encourage the use of sustainable packaging materials. These recommendations aimed to foster innovation, transparency, and accountability throughout the food packaging value chain to ensure the safety, quality, and sustainability of packaged food products.