Food safety is an absolute priority for the food & beverage industry. Every stage of the supply chain, from production to distribution and final consumption, must ensure that food reaches consumers in optimal conditions, free from chemical, microbiological, or physical contamination.
In this context, food packaging plays a crucial role: it not only protects products from external agents but also helps to preserve their integrity, quality, and freshness, ensuring compliance with safety and traceability regulations.
The food packaging industry is experiencing significant growth: estimates suggest that the global food packaging market will reach USD 512 billion by 2028, with a CAGR of 5.6% from 2023.
However, the sector faces numerous challenges:
- The growing consumer awareness of food safety and sustainability
- Stricter regulations on Food Contact Materials (FCM)
- The need for innovation to reduce the environmental impact of packaging and packaging processes
How are regulations and technologies evolving to ensure food safety in packaging? What are the most innovative materials and solutions? Let’s analyse the challenges and opportunities for the food packaging industry.
1. Growing Consumer Awareness: Food Safety and Sustainability
In recent years, consumers have become increasingly aware not only of food safety but also of the environmental impact of packaging, particularly in the food sector. According to a Nomisma analysis, 68% of Italian consumers consider packaging safety a key factor in purchasing decisions.
This growing awareness translates into a demand for safer and more sustainable packaging, featuring:
- Materials free from harmful substances (BPA, phthalates, PFAS)
- Advanced barriers against chemical and microbiological contaminants
- Use of recyclable plastics or compostable bioplastics
- Clear labelling and full supply chain traceability
The concept of eco-safety is becoming central, requiring companies to balance the need for food protection and preservation with reducing the environmental impact of packaging.
2. European Regulations on Food Contact Materials (FCM)
The European Union has established strict regulations to ensure that materials intended for food contact do not compromise product safety and quality.
According to Regulation (EC) 1935/2004, materials and objects intended for food contact must be manufactured in such a way that they:
- Do not release harmful substances in quantities that could endanger human health
- Do not alter the composition, taste, or smell of food
- Are traceable throughout the entire supply chain
Additionally, Regulation (EU) 2023/2006 establishes Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for food contact materials, requiring companies to monitor migrating substances and ensure compliance with chemical safety limits.
These regulations present a challenge for the packaging industry, which must adopt certified materials, stricter controls, and more sustainable production processes.
3. Food Packaging Materials: Safety and Regulatory Compliance
Not all packaging materials are equal when it comes to food safety. According to a recent study published in ScienceDirect, some materials pose higher risks of contaminant migration.
Among the safest and most widely used solutions in food packaging are:
- Glass: Inert, does not alter contents, 100% recyclable
- Stainless steel: Corrosion-resistant and prevents chemical migration
- FSC-certified paper and cardboard: Must be free from chemical contaminants such as mineral oils
- Food-safe plastics (PET, PP, PE): Must comply with migration limits for potentially harmful substances
Materials to Monitor Closely
- BPA (Bisphenol A): Found in some plastics and can linings, it is a known endocrine disruptor and is banned in several countries for food packaging.
- Phthalates: Used to make plastic more flexible, they can migrate into food and negatively impact the endocrine system.
- PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances): Used in non-stick and grease-resistant coatings, they are highly persistent in the environment and linked to health concerns.
- Mineral Oils (MOSH and MOAH): Can migrate from recycled paper and cardboard into food, with potential carcinogenic effects.
- Non-compliant inks and adhesives: Certain chemical compounds used in labels and coatings can contaminate food if not properly regulated.
The packaging industry must invest in new production technologies and compliance testing to ensure ever-higher safety standards.
4. New Alternatives for Food Packaging and Associated Chemical Risks
Innovation in food packaging is leading to the development of safer and more eco-friendly alternatives, such as:
- Bioplastics made from PLA, PHA, and cellulose
- Compostable and biodegradable packaging
- Active and intelligent films that extend product shelf life
However, FAO warns that these solutions may present unexpected chemical risks. Some bioplastics, for example, release acidic residues, while active films may contain nanoparticles whose long-term safety is not yet fully verified.
For this reason, careful regulation and the use of advanced analytical tools are essential to assess the safety of new materials before their market introduction.
5. The Food Packaging Supply Chain and Industry Responsibilities
Food packaging safety is not just the responsibility of packaging manufacturers—it involves the entire supply chain:
- Raw material suppliers → Must ensure materials comply with regulations
- Packaging manufacturers → Must control quality and safety during production
- Brands and retailers → Must monitor compliance and inform consumers
- Certification bodies → Verify and issue safety certifications
To avoid risks, it is crucial to have constant dialogue among all stakeholders and full traceability of materials across the supply chain.
6. Challenges for the Food Packaging Industry
Given this complex scenario, the main challenges the industry will face in the coming years include:
- Increasingly stringent regulatory compliance: Companies must continuously update their materials and processes to comply with new European and global regulations.
- Rising costs of sustainable raw materials: Eco-friendly alternatives can be more expensive and require significant investments.
- Waste management and recycling of end-of-life packaging: Improving collection and recycling systems to prevent plastic waste accumulation.
- Investments in technologies to reduce chemical migration: Developing new materials with lower release of harmful substances.
- Balancing sustainability and performance: Finding packaging solutions that are eco-friendly but also effective in protecting and preserving food.
- Consumer education: Raising awareness about safe materials and proper disposal methods for packaging.
Opportunities for the Packaging Industry
- Developing innovative, safe, and recyclable materials
- Implementing certified production processes
- Enhancing transparency in packaging composition
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