India, March 13 -- Mumbai witnessed a groundbreaking seminar on food packaging, organized by the Association of Food Scientists and Technologists (I) Mumbai Chapter at the Indian Institute of Packaging. The event brought together top industry professionals and academicians to discuss cutting-edge packaging innovations, regulatory compliance, and shifting consumer trends. Experts delved into topics such as smart packaging, biodegradable materials, and technological advancements that are shaping the future of food safety and sustainability.
Bhushan Yengade, joint secretary of AFST(I) Mumbai Chapter, opened the panel discussion. This discussion aimed to bring together industry leaders, researchers, and professionals to explore the latest innovations, challenges, and future trends in food packaging. He emphasized the shift in science and packaging and how it is challenging in the modern world. He also spoke about the increasing role of packaging in addressing sustainability issues while meeting the demands of modern consumers.
Professor Keshavan Niranjan from the University of Reading, UK, elaborated on the use of food waste to drive innovation. He emphasized his work in utilizing agricultural and food waste to develop novel packaging materials, aiming to create more sustainable solutions. He pointed out that scientists should take an active role in contributing to food packaging advancements and collaborate across disciplines. Additionally, he mentioned the current challenges faced in this field, particularly concerning cost-effectiveness and large-scale implementation. As an editor of scientific journals, he also emphasized his work in editing research on food packaging, highlighting the need for more academic contributions to this evolving sector.
Professor Shalini Arya, president of AFST(I) Mumbai Chapter, spoke about the need for continuous innovation in food packaging. She highlighted recent breakthroughs such as active packaging, which extends shelf life, and intelligent packaging, which monitors food freshness. She also elaborated on her research in traditional food methods and the challenges associated with adapting them to modern technological requirements. She mentioned the importance of retaining cultural and regional packaging traditions while integrating new advancements that enhance efficiency and sustainability.
Poonam V Prakash, assistant director IIP elaborated on her views on consumer behavior toward food packaging and how innovations are shaping the market. She discussed the role of the IIP in fostering new developments and how scientific research is driving innovation in this field. She also highlighted how consumer preferences are shifting towards sustainable and minimalistic packaging solutions.
Unnikannan Gangadharan, director at Hell Energy, addressed concerns about microplastics in food packaging. He explained how microplastic contamination has become a growing issue and how consumers are becoming increasingly aware of its environmental and health impacts. He also provided insights into the regulatory challenges that companies face in eliminating microplastics from packaging materials. He emphasized that stricter compliance measures are needed to ensure consumer safety. Additionally, he spoke about evolving consumer preferences and how packaging plays a crucial role in influencing purchasing decisions.
Bhushan Yengade provided further insights into regulatory challenges and the need for stricter compliance measures. He mentioned his Binder Technology Consultancy's work in market research within the petrochemical industry and shared insights from a physical survey conducted on rice straw and husk, byproducts of rice milling, and the challenges faced in using them. To this, Professor Keshavan Niranjan responded that there is a strong need for government policies to support research and implementation of innovative packaging solutions derived from agricultural byproducts. He emphasized the importance of industry-government collaboration in driving forward sustainable packaging solutions.
The seminar also featured discussions on how e-commerce, AI has reshaped packaging strategies. Sustainability remained at the heart of the discussions, with panelists emphasizing the need for a circular economy in packaging. The panelists urged businesses to invest in research and development of reusable and recyclable materials, such as plant-based biodegradable films and edible packaging. They also highlighted the importance of consumer education in encouraging responsible disposal and recycling practices.
The seminar concluded with a forward-looking discussion on the future of food packaging. Panelists predicted that AI-driven quality control and biodegradable packaging will become standard in the next decade. They emphasized that cross-industry collaboration, investment in sustainable technologies, and policy support will be key to driving the next wave of innovation in food packaging. The event left attendees with valuable insights and actionable strategies to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of food packaging, ensuring safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from FoodTechBiz.