Kimchi Packaging Technology : An Overview

Abstract

This paper provides an overview of kimchi packaging technology, focusing on packaging materials, package design, and active/intelligent packaging technology for kimchi. From a packaging-material standpoint, although various materials have been used to ensure customer satisfaction and convenience, plastic is the most widely used material, in the form of bags, trays, pouches, and rigid containers. Additionally, recent efforts in the kimchi packaging industry have allowed companies to differentiate their products by using different packaging materials and technologies, while simul-taneously improving product safety and quality. On the other hand, the biggest problem in kimchi packaging is excess CO2 production, leading to package expansion and leakage. To alleviate this problem, the use of CO2 absorbers, high CO2-permeable films, and degassing valves, in addition to the use of different packaging systems, has been investigated. Active and/or intelligent packaging systems have been developed, to include active functions beyond simply inert, passive containment and protection of the kimchi product. However, most such approaches are not yet adequately effective to be useful on a commercial scale. Therefore, further studies are needed to resolve the limitations of each technology.