FST 15: Food Packaging and Labelling

Prepared by: Bill Henry A. Ramiterre

OVERVIEW
This module aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the principles and
methods of food packaging and labeling. Students will evaluate the properties of
packaging and labeling materials, and explore the importance of packaging in preserving
food quality, safety, and marketability, as well as the regulatory requirements and design
considerations for effective food labeling.
INTRODUCTION TO FOOD PACKAGING AND LABELLING
Since the times of gathering food through hunting animals, farming, and storing
food grains, up until today's modern world where almost anyone can buy well-packed
food products stacked across store and supermarket shelves, humans have come a long
way with regard to the means of making food available and distributing it for survival and
gastronomic pleasure.
Before the establishment of food preservation methods and techniques, foods
would easily spoil, as they are perishable in nature. Fresh fruits, vegetables, as well as
raw milk tend to deteriorate within a few days on the shelf or damage during
transportation. Traditionally, food and beverages would be wrapped or stored in natural
materials such as cloth, leaves, animal skins, gourd, earthenware pots, wooden barrels,
and glass. Nowadays, food is packaged to preserve and protect it from contamination and
other external factors that can damage the product and lead to deterioration and spoilage.
We encounter packaging in our daily lives on everyday items such as chocolate
bars and potato chip (crisp) packets, yet its significance and the reasons for its existence
often go unnoticed. In many cases, packaging – especially flexible packaging – is very
carefully designed to serve the purpose of presenting food to us in an appealing, secure,
and convenient manner.
Packaging plays a crucial role in preserving the benefits of food processing,
allowing products to safely traverse considerable distances from their origin while
remaining wholesome for consumption. However, packaging technology must balance
food protection with other issues, including energy and material costs, heightened social
and environmental consciousness, and consciousness, and strict regulations on
pollutants and disposal of municipal solid waste (Villas, 2021). Today, packaging plays a
primary role in consumers buying decision. It’s a marketing tool that directly impacts
point-of-purchase. Packaging is an industry that continues to be sculpted and molded to
fit current trends.
History of Food Packaging
 In ancient times, food was typically consumed immediately and often eaten where
it was found. Our ancestors were self-sufficient, producing and capturing what they
needed. Containers were often derived from nature such as gourds, shells, and leaves for
use. Later, containers were crafted from natural materials like hollowed logs, clay pots,
woven grasses, and animal organs or skins. Fabrics originated from furs initially used as
primitive clothing. Fibers were interwoven into felts through plaiting or weaving. These
resulting fabrics were made into garments, utilized for wrapping products, or shaped into
bags. With the weaving technique, grasses, and later reeds, were transformed into
baskets to store food surpluses. This allowed certain foods to be preserved for future
consumption, reducing the time required for hunting and gathering food. The discovery
of ores and compounds contributed to the development of metals and pottery, paving the
way for various other forms of packaging (Hook et al., 2017).
The Industrial Revolution brought about a significant transformation in the way
people lived, marked by the replacement of manual labor with machines in the workforce.
This shift resulted in increased speed and efficiency in product production, consequently
creating a heightened demand for diverse packaging solutions. This included various
forms such as storage and transportation bins, bags, methods for food packaging, primary
packaging materials, and in-store packaging options (Loeser & Loeser, 2017).
The Great Depression brought in the rise of the “self-service” culture, prompting
people to frequent grocery stores more regularly. This shift in consumer behavior had a
notable impact on packaging strategies. Packaging evolved from being a simple vessel to
hold items to becoming a sales tool, often referred to as the "silent salesman." After World
War II, the exploration of new materials, including plastic and aluminum foil, became
prominent. These materials introduced the convenience of single-use and "throw away"
packaging, which strongly appealed to the emerging supermarket culture (Loeser &
Loeser, 2017).
In the latter half of the 20th century, the ascent of digital technologies transformed
the landscape of production, making the business world more competitive. Companies
now had the ability to distinguish themselves stand-out on the shelf through innovative
packaging. The marketplace became more competitive as mass producing allowed
businesses to expand their reach globally (Loeser & Loeser, 2017).
Packaging is an industry that has been around since the beginning of man. The
history of food packaging is a journey that mirrors the evolution of human societies,
technological advancements, and changing consumer needs. With the progression of
technology, both packaging materials and processes have evolved. Let's explore the
different phases and advancements within the packaging industry.

Timeline of Food Packaging

Paleolithic Age Food was instantly consumed
Mesolithic Age Storage of surplus food in basket made of grasses and rushes
Neolithic Age Pottery and metal containers were developed
1500 B.C. Glass Making was industrialized in Egypt
 1200 B.C. Glass was pressed into molds to make cups and bowls
200 B.C. Paper was developed in China. Sheets of treated mulberry bark
are used by the Chinese to wrap foods.
1200 Tin plating process was discovered in Bohemia
1310 Paper-making was introduced in the United Kingdom
1764 Snuff was sold in metal canister
1809 The idea of putting food safely in metal packaging was first
introduced by Nicolas Appert
1810 The sealed tin can was patented by Peter Durand
1817 First commercial cardboard box was made in England
1825 Aluminum was extracted
1831 Styrene was first distilled from balsam tree
1844 The first commercial paper bags were made in Bristol, England
1850 Corrugated cardboard was introduced
1860-1870 Branding, labels, and trademarks for packaging were invented
1867 Paper originating from wood pulp was developed.
1870 Celluloid was the first man made plastic
1872 First PVC was reported
1924 Cellophane was first introduced in USA
1933 Development of PE
1956 HDPE was commercialized
1958 Heat shrinkable PVC film was introduced
1970s Metals and plastics gain popularity over glass
1980 Plastic packaging available for hot foods

Early Beginnings (Prehistory - Ancient Times):

 In the earliest stages of human civilization, natural materials like leaves,
animal skins, and gourds were used to wrap and store food.
 Woven sacks and baskets made from a variety of plants depending on the
geographical location of the village.
 Clay pots and wooden containers were employed for storage, offering some
protection against spoilage.
 Source: https://uspackagingandwrapping.com/

Source: https://uspackagingandwrapping.com/ A woven sack for packaging

A gourd packaging used to carry and store liquids

Source: https://ambalaj.org.tr/
Earthen pots

Ancient Civilizations (3000 BC - 500 CE):

 Ancient Egyptians used amphorae, glass, and pottery to transport and store
oils, wine, and grains.
 Egyptian was the first to industrialize glass around 1500 B. C. By
1200 B.C., glass was pressed into molds to make cups and bowls.
When the blowpipe was invented by the Phoenicians in 300 B.C., it
not only speeded production but allowed for round containers.
 The Greeks and Romans utilized amphorae, glass containers, and jars for
preserving and transporting various food items.
 An Amphora (Greek: amphoreus) is a jar with two vertical handles used in
antiquity for the storage and transportation of foodstuffs such as wine and
olive oil. The name derives from the Greek amphi-phoreus meaning
'carried on both sides', although the Greeks had adopted the design from
the eastern Mediterranean. Used by all the great trading nations from
the Phoenicians to the Romans, the sturdy-walled amphora spread
throughout the ancient world and they have become an important
survivor in the archaeological record providing clues as to dates of
sites, trade relations, and everyday diet (Cartwright, 2016).

 The Chinese invented the process of making paper.

 Paper used in packaging is considered the oldest form of “flexible
packaging” known to exist. Sheets of treated mulberry bark were
used by the Chinese to wrap foods as early as the first or second
century B.C.
 Source https://www.sidiheneish.com/

An amphorea is a jar with two vertical handles used

Source https://www.worldhistory.org/ in antiquity for the storage and transportation of
foodstuffs such as wine and olive oil.

Source https://www.invaluable.com/
Ancient Roman glass bottles Mulberry paper made in China

Middle Ages (500 - 1500 CE):

 During the Middle Ages, the use of barrels became common for storing and
transporting liquidsSource:
Source: https://www.lebanoninapicture.com/ likehttps://ambalaj.org.tr/
beer, wine, and salted fish.
 Wooden crates and barrels
Phoenician were
Blown Glass used for bulk transportation.

 While Herodotus notes the use of palm-wood casks for shipping

Armenian wine to Babylon in Mesopotamia, the barrel, as we
recognize it today, likely originated with the Celts. By around 350
BC, they had adopted watertight, barrel-shaped wooden containers
capable of withstanding stress, and that could be rolled and stacked
(The History of Wooden Barrels | River Drive Cooperage &
Millwork, 2017).
 Source: https://www.riverdrive.co/

Wooden barrels used for shipping or storage container

Rise of Industrialization (18th - 19th centuries):

 The Industrial Revolution brought about advancements in food production
and distribution.
 Canning, initiated by Nicolas Appert and later perfected by Louis Pasteur,
revolutionized food preservation.
 The idea of putting food safely in metal packaging was first had in
1809 when Napoleon Bonaparte said he would award 12thousand
Franks to whomever comes up with a method to protect the army's
food supply.
 Nicolas Appert (1749–1841) was a French chef and food
preservation pioneer who is often credited with developing the
method of canning. In the early 19th century, he conducted
experiments to find a way to preserve food for long periods to
address the need for reliable food supplies for the French military
and navy. Appert's method involved sealing food in glass jars, which
were then heated to kill bacteria and other microorganisms. This
process prevented spoilage and significantly extended the shelf life
of perishable foods.
 In 1809, Appert published his findings and received a financial
reward from the French government. While his method initially
used glass containers, the idea of preserving food in sealed
containers was later adapted to tin cans, leading to the development
of modern canning techniques. Nicolas Appert's work laid the
foundation for advancements in food preservation and contributed
significantly to the development of the canning industry.

Source: https://www.history.com/ Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/

 Nicolas Appert Appert Canning Jar

Tin Can Revolution (early 19th century):

 The development of tin-coated iron cans by Peter Durand and the later
improvement by Bryan Donkin allowed for long-term preservation of
various food items.
 Originally, cans consisted of a sheet of tin-plated iron that was rolled
into a cylinder (known as the body), onto which the top and bottom
were manually soldered.

 Screws and hammers were being used to open metal packaging

until
Peter 1866. Later, packaging with tearable lids was made. In 1875
Durand
Source: https://madeupinbritain.uk/
Source: https://madeupinbritain.uk/
can opener was invented.
Durand tin can

 This form was replaced in the early 20th century by the modern
sanitary, or open-top, can, whose constituent parts are joined by
interlocking folds that are crimped, or pressed together. Polymer
sealing compounds are applied to the end, or lid, seams, and the
body seams can be sealed on the outside by soldering.

 Following the global depression of 1873, U.S. exports of canned

foods boomed, with prominent companies such as Campbell, Heinz,
and Borden leading the way. In 1904, the Max Ams Machine
Company in New York secured a patent for the double-seam
process, a technique widely employed in contemporary food
canning. Today a double-seam machine can safely seal more than
 2,000 cans a minute—a long way indeed from Appert’s pea-packed
bottles (Barksdale, 2018).

Metal packaging that has passed through many phases and has renewed itself now offers
convenience for practicality.

Glass and Paper Packaging (late 19th - early 20th centuries):

 Glass bottles and jars gained popularity for preserving beverages and
sauces.
 While the origins of glass-making trace back to 7000 B.C. as an
extension of pottery, it wasn't until 1500 B.C. in Egypt that it was
first industrialized. Abundant supply such as limestone, soda, sand,
and silica, were the base materials and the initial manufacturing
process involved melting these ingredients together and molding
the mixture while hot. As techniques were further refined in the
18th and 19th centuries, prices of glass containers continued to
decrease. One development that enhanced the process was the first
automatic rotary bottle making machine, patented in 1889. Current
equipment automatically produces 20,000 bottles per day.
  While other packaging products, such as metals and plastics, were gaining
popularity in the 1970s, packaging in glass tended to be reserved for high-
value products. As a type of “rigid packaging,” glass has many uses today.

 Paper and cardboard were increasingly used for dry goods, with the
Source: https://www.1stdibs.com/
beginning of the paperboard box.
 Paper can be considered the earliest form of what is now known as
"flexible packaging".
 During the following 1500 years, paper-making techniques
advanced and spread to the Middle East.
 Paper-making techniques made their way to Europe and
subsequently reached England in 1310, followed by America in
1690. But these first papers were somewhat different from those
used today. Early paper was made from flax fibers and later old
linen rags. It wasn't until 1867 that paper originating from wood
pulp was developed.
 The first commercial cardboard box emerged in England in 1817,
two centuries after its initial use in China. Corrugated cardboard
was introduced in the 1850s, replacing wooden boxes in trade.
 In 1856, in 1856, that two Englishmen, Healey and Allen, had the
idea for the first known use of pleated paper – as a lining for men’s
top hats. Their patented fluted material for sweatbands was
produced by feeding the paper through a very simple hand machine
made of 2 fluted rolls.

Source: https://erdie.com/ Source: https://www.fefco.org/ Source: https://www.fefco.org/

A German board game called "The Game of Besieging” Tall hat with corrugated paper Hand machine with 2 fluted rolls
Source: https://www.fefco.org/
 The first use of corrugated paper for packaging was by an American
Source: https://erdie.com/
Wrapping for bottles
man, Albert L, in 1871. A double-sided corrugated cardboard box

 Jones who obtained a patent for the use of corrugated paper for
wrapping fragile items such as bottles.
 The carton's accidental development occurred when Robert Gair, a
Brooklyn printer and paper-bag maker in the 1870s, discovered
that a shifted metal rule during seed bag printing could cut and
crease paperboard simultaneously. This led to the creation of the
first automatically made carton, now known as "semi-flexible
packaging" (Hook et al., 2017).
 In 1881, Robert H. Thompson obtained the patent for single wall
corrugated board. His company developed the first mechanically-
driven single-facer (one liner) which was then used by the first 3
European Corrugators board plants in Europe: 1883 in London
(UK); 1886 in Kirchberg (Germany); and 1888 in Exideuil-sur-
Vienne (France)

Source: https://www.fefco.org/
The first mechanically-driven single-facer (one liner) board machine

 The evolution of flaked cereals played a pivotal role in the adoption

of paperboard cartons. The Kellogg brothers were pioneers in using
cereal cartons at their Sanatorium in Battle Creek, Michigan.
Initially marketed as a "health food," these cereals were presented
to the public in plain boxes with a waxed, heat-sealed Waxtite bag
 wrapped around them. The outer wrapper featured brand names
and advertising copy. Today, of course, plastic liners are commonly
used to protect cereals and other products housed within printed
cartons.

Source: https://www.wachter.com/

Kellogg’s cereal cartons

 The 20th century marked a significant period of advancement and

prosperity for paper and cardboard. Following the emergence of
plastics as a major player in packaging in the late 1970s and early
1980s, the use of paper and its related products declined. However,
this trend has recently slowed down as designers strive to address
environmental concerns.

Source: https://www.fefco.org/ Source: https://packagingindia.in/

A double-sided corrugated cardboard box structure and in different forms and sizes

Plastic Revolution (mid-20th century):

 Plastic is the youngest among various packaging materials. Despite being
discovered in the 19th century, the majority of plastics were initially
reserved for military and wartime applications (Hook et al., 2017).
 Styrene was first distilled from a balsam tree in 1831. However, the early
products derived from it were brittle and prone to shattering easily.
  The process of refining styrene took a significant step forward in Germany
in 1933, and by the 1950s, foam became globally accessible. This versatile
material found widespread use in insulation, cushioning materials, as well
as foam boxes, cups, and meat trays for the food industry, gaining
popularity during that period (Hook et al., 2017).

Source: https://mohebbaspar.com/ Source: https://mohebbaspar.com/

Source: https://mohebbaspar.com/

 Discovered in 1835, vinyl chloride played a crucial role in advancing rubber

chemistry. In the realm of packaging, molded deodorant squeeze bottles
made from this material were introduced in 1947. Subsequently, in 1958,
heat shrinkable films were developed by blending styrene with synthetic
rubber. Today, containers for water and vegetable oil are crafted from vinyl
chloride (Hook et al., 2017).
 The Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE) container only became available
during the last two decades with its use for beverages entering the market
in 1977. By 1980, foods and other hot-fill products such as jams could also
be packaged in PETE (Hook et al., 2017).

 The widespread use of plastics in the mid-20th century revolutionized

Source: https://www.yankeecontainers.com/ Source: https://thesurvivalmom.com/
packaging.
Clear PETE containers
  Plastics offered flexibility, durability, and versatility in design, leading to
the development of various packaging formats.

Source: https://richfieldsplastics.com/
Source: https://richfieldsplastics.com/

Different Types of Plastic Packaging

Source: https://richfieldsplastics.com/

Source: https://www.plasticsforchange.org/

The 7 Different Types of Plastic

Advancements in Flexible Packaging (late 20th century - present):

 The late 20th century saw innovations in flexible packaging, including
vacuum-sealed pouches and barrier films.
 Advances in technology enabled the creation of packaging that maintains
freshness and extends shelf life.
Sustainable Packaging (21st century):
 Growing environmental awareness has led to a focus on sustainable
packaging materials.
 Biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable materials are increasingly
employed to address environmental concerns.
Smart Packaging and the Future:
 Ongoing developments include smart packaging with sensors for real-time
monitoring of freshness and quality.
 The emphasis on reducing waste and adopting eco-friendly packaging
continues to shape the future of food packaging.
Labels and Trademarks:
One rather recent development in packaging is the labeling of the product with the
company name and contents information.
During the 1660s, imports into England were often deceptive, leading to the
popularization of the phrase "let the buyer beware." Unscrupulous sellers disguised
inferior quality and impure products, taking advantage of uninformed customers. In
response to this deception, honest merchants began marking their wares with their
identification to alert potential buyers.
The concept of official trademarks was pioneered by Smith Brothers in 1866 for
their cough drops, which were marketed in large glass jars. This marked a novel idea of
using the package to "brand" a product for the benefit of the consumer.
The initial registered U.S. trademark was granted to the Eagle-Arwill Chemical
Paint Company in 1870. Today, there are almost 750,000 registered trademarks in the
United States alone. Labels now encompass a wealth of information, serving the purpose
of both protecting and instructing the public.

What is Packaging?
Before defining packaging, it is important to clarify the difference among
"package", "packing", and "packaging". The term "package" refers to the physical material
that serves as the container for a product, while "packing" denotes the action of enclosing
the product within the package or container. In contrast, "packaging" is a process aimed
to protect food products throughout their journey from processing and manufacturing to
storage and retailing, ensuring their protection for the end consumer. Additionally, any
device or container fulfilling the functions of containment, protection, convenience, and
communication is considered a package (Robertson, 2016).
 Packaging is the science, art, and technology of enclosing or safeguarding products
for distribution, storage, sale, and use. It involves the process of designing, evaluating,
and producing packages. This scientific approach ensures the containment of food
products, protecting them from physical damage, chemical changes, and further
microbial contamination, while also presenting the product in an appealing for consumer
preferences.
Packaging serves as a tool to protect and contain goods, with the goal of
minimizing the environmental impact of consumption. An ideal comparison for
packaging is found in nature, such as the protective coverings of a banana, orange peel,
coconut, and eggshell—examples provided by Mother Nature.

Types and Levels of Food Packaging

1. Primary Packaging/ Individual Packaging:
 Directly in contact with the food product.
 This material provides the major protective barrier that the products
need.
 Visible to the consumer at the point of sale, must effectively enclose and
safeguard the food product while also presenting it and conveying
relevant information.
 Examples include cans, bottles, jars, pouches, and trays.

Credits: https://lemonsquare.com.ph/
2. Secondary Packaging/ Inner Packaging:
 Surrounds the primary packaging, providing additional protection and
often used for marketing purposes.
 This is the physical distribution carrier and is often designed to use in
retail for the display of primary packages.
 Examples include boxes, cartons, and multi-packaging for grouping
individual units.

3. Tertiary Packaging/ External Packaging:

 Used for transportation and distribution of multiple secondary packages.
 Typically includes pallets, crates, and large containers.

Credits: https://lemonsquare.com.ph/
Importance, Function, and Requirements
Packaging plays a vital role in various aspects of product management and
consumer satisfaction. Its importance can be highlighted in several key areas:
1. Protection – Packaging serves as a physical protection for products, shielding
them from external factors such as physical damage, shock, vibration, and
compression. Another thing, packaging serves as barrier protection from
contamination, moisture, oxygen, water vapor, dust, sunlight, etc. This is vital
to maintaining the integrity and quality of the enclosed items.
2. Preservation – Packaging helps extend the shelf life of perishable goods by
preventing spoilage and maintaining freshness. It can include features such as
airtight seals, vacuum packaging, and barrier materials to safeguard products
from deterioration.
3. Information – Packaging serves as a means of communication, which provide
the essential information about the product, including ingredients, nutritional
facts, usage instructions, origin of the product, and safety guidelines
(allergens). Clear, straightforward, and informative packaging contributes to
informed consumer choices.
4. Brand Identity – Packaging is a powerful tool for brand recognition. It allows
companies to establish a unique identity through distinctive designs, logos,
 and color schemes. This helps the consumers in easily identifying and recalling
specific brands.
5. Convenience – Packaging facilitates ease of handling, storage, and distribution
for both retailers and consumers. Convenient packaging features and designs,
such as re-sealable pouches, easy-open, or easy-to-carry containers, which
enhance the overall user experience.
6. Marketing and Promotion – Packaging and labels serve as a marketing tool,
attracting consumer attention on store shelves to purchase the product. Eye-
catching graphic designs, creative styles, and packaging innovations
contribute to the overall appeal of a product and can influence purchasing
decisions.

Functions of Packaging
Any vessel or container is considered a package if it fulfills the functions of:
1. Containment
2. Protection
3. Convenience
4. Communication

(Robertson, 2016)

Credits: FOODTR
 1. Protection
- The primary function of the package. This is a crucial function of packaging,
acting as a protective barrier against external factors and environmental
influences, including moisture, vapors, microorganisms, and oxygen. These
elements have the potential to compromise the quality of the contents,
ultimately leading to spoilage.
2. Containment
- The most basic and obvious function of package. All food product must be
contained as single unit before they can be moved from place to place.
3. Convenience
- Package can have features which make easier to transport and distribute, and
add convenience in handling, display, and sale. Considerations such as
packaging size, shape, easy-open, and re-sealable features contribute to the
overall ease of use for consumers.
4. Communication
- Finally, packaging plays an important role in product marketing through
leveraging its distinct form, style, shape, graphics, brand representation, and
product features. It serves as a “silent salesman”, influencing and motivating
the buyer to make a purchase based on the convincing appeal and information
conveyed through the package.

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