Published November 2018
This report is the second edition of our in-depth look at high barrier films for food packaging. Food packaging represents one of the largest and most important markets for plastic films. Plastic films have been undergoing constant development in order to increase their barrier properties for the extension of shelf life, and to preserve and protect the valuable food products within the pack. This is an ongoing requirement of the food industry and retail supply chain. Plastic substrates offer substantial benefits to brand owners for their packaging: strong, lightweight, clear, flexible and printable materials. However, providing a sufficient barrier against gases, aromas and flavours is imperative for the prevention of food waste, product loss in the supply chain and for the maintaining of food security, and developing this level of barrier at an appropriate cost is complex and challenging. A variety of solutions has been developed which vary according to product, geography and the nature of the converting industry.
Over the last few years, a surge in public concern regarding the protection of the environment, particularly the marine environment, has caused the industry to focus efforts on reducing the very visible effects of inconsistent, poor or even absent waste management by investing in research into the recyclability of all plastics, including high barrier films.