#FOOD HIGHLIGHT COVERS SKIN#

Packaging for alternative proteins should be designed with sustainability in mind, using materials that are recyclable or compostable and minimizing waste.

Consumers are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of food packaging.

Packaging should provide clear labeling and expiration dates to help consumers make informed decisions and avoid consuming expired products.

Alternative proteins typically have a shorter shelf life than conventional proteins and can spoil more quickly.

This includes minimizing physical stress, preventing crushing or bruising and ensuring that the packaging is sturdy and resilient.

Alternative proteins can be more delicate than meat-based products, and packaging must be designed to protect them during handling and storage.

Packaging materials and processes for alternative proteins must comply with relevant regulatory requirements, including those related to food safety, labeling and environmental impact.

Packaging for alternative proteins can require sufficient barrier properties to prevent oxygen, moisture and light from reaching the product to help maintain the product's quality, texture and nutritional value.

Packaging should provide sufficient insulation and temperature control to prevent spoilage and bacterial growth.

Alternative proteins are often plant-based and can be highly perishable, requiring temperature-controlled storage and transportation.

Packaging alternative proteins requires preventing cross-contamination with other products, especially those containing allergens.However, specific safety considerations may differ depending on the type of protein and the processing methods used: Photo courtesy of MarsĪs with any food product, alternative proteins must be processed and packaged in a way that ensures food safety. With primary packaging to show its environmental significance, CO2COA by Mars is a sustainability inspired animal-free, planet-friendly chocolate innovation in partnership with Perfect Day. Packaging also employs specific labeling and marketing strategies to appeal to consumers, which may involve highlighting the sustainability and ethical production of the product or emphasizing its nutritional benefits. Thus, the requirement is for “more” packaging than conventional proteins to maintain a desirable appearance. These techniques can provide temporary structure, but they do tend to flatten over time. Cultured proteins may require specialized biodegradable packaging to support the growth and development of the cells.īecause these products are created to resemble conventional proteins, they may require specific pre-packaging treatments to form the product for example, utilizing a bowl chopper to build body/add substance. For example, some plant-based meats require oxygen-permeable packaging to maintain their texture and prevent spoilage, while animal-based meats may be packaged in oxygen-impermeable materials to increase shelf life. These products may utilize packaging materials differently than animal-based products. Extrusion is a common technique used to create plant-based meat analogs, which involves forcing a mixture of ingredients through a small opening to create a meat-like texture. They may need to be extruded, textured or fermented to achieve the desired texture and flavor, while cultured proteins may require bioreactors and other specialized equipment for cell culture. Plant-based proteins may be sourced from soy, peas, or other plant sources, while cultured proteins require the use of cell culture technology. Specifically, alternative protein products often require specialized processing methods to create the desired texture, flavor and appearance. However, because alternative protein products are often made from plant-based ingredients, initial processing may involve different types of machinery and equipment than those used in animal-based processing. Siers: In general, while differences in which packaging processes are used by alternative proteins, the processes themselves are not wildly different. Photo courtesy of Harpak-ULMAįE: In general, how is processing/packaging of alternative proteins different from that of conventional proteins?

#FOOD HIGHLIGHT COVERS SKIN#

The packaging features top seal, MAP and vacuum skin for fresh, frozen of processed/alternative meat, prepared meals and snacks. Mondini-have come up with a cardboard packaging system with state-of-the-art seal integrity to match that of traditional plastic trays, but uses 80% less plastic. PaperSeal with its partners-Graphic Packaging, Harpak-ULMA and G.

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