Our researchers have a great deal of knowledge about the effects of light and gas on food and about choosing the right colour of packaging for best protection. They are familiar with available packaging materials and are world leaders when it comes to packing gases. Nofima Mat's packaging team also conducts projects involving nanotechnology. In future the group wants to focus even more closely on the environmental aspects of packaging, such as minimising food wastage, efficient transportation solutions and the use of biomaterials and other new sustainable packaging materials.
Cross functional problem solving
Packaging problems often involve many disciplines and the packaging group draws on competence from other areas when needed - such as microbiology, raw materials, sensory perception, biochemical product competence and advanced measurement methods. This gives us a unique ability to carry out research and industry activities in order to understand the packaging requirements of the products.
The golden triangle of packaging illustrates the interaction between product, packaging and distribution. Put simply, if one of the parameters at one angle of the triangle changes, then the other parameters will be affected. Let's say you want to extend the shelf life of milk. One action that must be taken is to change the processing conditions, so as to kill micro-organisms that can spoil the milk. But the barrier properties of the packaging must also be improved, to exclude light and oxygen so that the milk can keep its quality for longer. And the packaging process itself must be protected, to avoid contamination of the milk.
