IMPORTANCE OF PACKAGING IN THE FOOD AND BEVERAGE INDUSTRY

Packaging plays one of the most significant roles in the success of any food and beverage industry. The advancements made in technology have resulted in the invention of highly efficient and ultra-modern food and beverage packaging machineries. The packaging machines have redefined the entire meaning of packaging. Gone are the days when human labors were hired for packaging food and beverage items in pouches. The technology-driven packaging machinery has revolutionized the packaging industry in an unmatched way. This article looks into the factors that play important role in the packaging of food and beverage industry.

Food and beverage packaging is essential for food branding. The colors, shape, size and materials utilized for packing your product should be consistent with the brand identity of a product. The packaging should vividly convey the manufacturer’s name, brand message and logo.

Food and beverage packaging should be based on the requirements and priorities of the end- consumer. The manufacturers of these products should effectively combine packaging innovation with the current consumer trends. They should take the time to understand what the consumers really want, and what kind of packaging innovations will deliver those requirements of the consumers.

The food packaging designing aspects that have an impact on the consumers adhere to the product convenience. Different convenience features such as re-sealability, quality and freshness maintenance, handling ease, storability, etc are highly valued. There are also the other features that hold a minor place of importance such as attractive design, microwave compatibility, etc.

A higher percentage of consumers also prefer food and beverage packaging design that are easy- to- open, easy- to- close, easy- to pour, easy- to- serve, and easy- to- hold. Some consumers also prefer easy- to –drink packaging. Packaging that seal the freshness and quality of the product are given extra preference by the consumers. A certain percentage of consumers also preferred environmental friendly or green packaging.

Consumers of food and beverages all over the world are quite satisfied with the current packaging patterns. However, more studies in this regard are welcome everywhere. Innovative packaging will certainly be a value addition measure. Light weight packaging and less bulky packaging are areas where more preferences can be given. Surveys can be conducted in order to know customer preferences better.

Packaging preferences should in the future rely more on wastage reduction, and recycling of packaging material. Millions of tons of food are wasted every year throughout the world. Food and beverage packaging has an immense effect on reversing this situation. So the concerned industries should invest considerable amount of time and money into this aspect of waste-reduction.

Waste- reduction is important to save our planet. The presence of increased amounts of organic wastes in the environment leads to greenhouse emissions. Therefore, waste- reduction is essential. Besides, reducing food and beverage industry wastage can also reduce the land- fills to a great extent. Recycling is a wise choice. Food and beverage industries can recycle their packaging material, and thereby do their part in contributing to the environment.