Although some active packaging technologies have been commercial for more than 20 years, their acceptance has not been widespread.Emerging developments, however, will generate a 19% compound annual growth rate for the next five years with active packaging forecast to attain a 7 billion unit usage by 2006, according to a new study from Packaging Strategies, BRGTownsend, Inc., and food technologist packaging expert Dr. Aaron Brody.

Among the technologies generally classified as “actives” are desiccants, antimicrobials, and oxygen scavengers. The driving force for active packaging is consumer demand for more convenient, nearer-to-fresh foods that are easy to prepare and whose safety and quality are not compromised. More than 55 end-use product applications for active packaging have been identified. Although most end-use applications have focused on only one active packaging technology, several applications—including bakery products, processed meat, poultry, and military rations—currently use more than one active packaging technology.

For more information, visit www.packstrat.com and click on Studies.