How Transport Packaging Technologies and Materials Ensure Food Sector Safety

The COVID-19 epidemic had a profound effect on every industry. Food is no exception.

FREMONT, CA: The remarkable growth of online grocery shopping raised pressure on the sector to keep pace with demand, limit waste, and uphold the highest quality and safety requirements.

INGREDIENTS IN THEIR NATURAL AND BULK STATES

Whether used in-store, in food processing plants, or animal feed, raw and bulk materials require special handling and transportation. For instance, polybags, frequently used in animal feed, tend to slide on top of one another when stacked. 

For example, to reduce spillage and loss, one novel option is to use water-based adhesives, such as Signode's Lock N' Pop® glue, to secure filled and stacked polybags during transit. Unlike hot-melt adhesives, Lock N' Pop is a cold-applied glue that does not leave a sticky residue or cause tearing during unstacking. And, unlike solvent- or latex-based adhesives, which can be toxic or difficult to clean and maintain, Lock N' Pop adhesive is water-soluble, and its application equipment requires little maintenance.

PRODUCTS FOR CONSUMERS

Transportation safety regulations for consumer food goods are dictated by their varying shelf lives and manufacturing settings.

Automated load containment systems are required to handle millions of shelf-stable boxed food goods. For instance, Rotary ring technology stretch wrapping equipment is a frequent solution in high-throughput environments. It can start and stop anywhere on the pallet, ensuring that the product is snugly wrapped and arrives safely and uncontaminated at its destination.

Dairy producers must likewise meet equally strong demand. These products must adhere to significantly stricter processing, packing, and delivery timelines to maintain shelf life. Any machine downtime in the stretch wrapping zone might result in a slew of downstream issues and significantly reduce product shelf life. It is vital to have a wrapping solution, to survive the harsh conditions found in a dairy processing factory to retain shelf life.

PRODUCE

Corrugated boxes are usually found outside in produce fields. As a result of weather exposure or other circumstances, moisture might leak into the product, allowing mold or bacteria growth.

Growers may ensure their corrugated containers are dry before packaging using a "ten-sided" (5 external + 5 internal) waterproof film. It reduces condensation and forms an impenetrable barrier to liquids. The approach also prevents bags from ripping or puncturing when stretched over the corrugated load.

AUTOMATION AND SHELF-LIFE OPTIMIZATION

Additionally, there are options to optimize shelf life and manage demand spikes. Automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) are available to prioritize the selection of products based on their expiration dates.

ABOVE AND BEYOND COVID-19

Modern transit packaging solutions can assist food producers and manufacturers improve operations and enhance profits by reducing spoiling, breakage, and the potential for mold growth, consequently enhancing shelf life. End-of-line packaging and logistics innovation and optimization represent a critical opportunity to benefit the whole supply chain.

See Also: Top 10 Wealth Management Solution Companies in UK