Hygiene Aspects of Gas-selective Packaging Films

Abstract

With scientifi c and technical progress and the expansion of the volumes of production of foodstuffs the packaging industry is a leading industrial sector. Packaging makes it possible to reduce product losses, to guarantee retention of product quality during long-term storage, and to ensure delivery of products to the consumer in an attractive form [1]. Synthetic polymers are widely used as packaging materials. These are high-quality substitutes for natural feedstock that possess valuable properties, many of which are not inherent in natural materials. With the development of engineering and technology for the production of packaging materials, not only the functions of packaging but also the demands made of it are broadening. These demands are chiefl y as follows: