Food safety and the need for absolute packaging integrity signal a new reality for food processors.
In Food Engineering's 20th Annual Packaging Trends Survey, the realities of life in 2005 are reflected in the fact that food and package safety is the top priority among food manufacturers, both in new package development and along packaging lines. While food safety has always been paramount, new 21st century threats such as bioterrorism and product tampering loom over the industry. As a result, food safety and the need for absolute packaging integrity have taken on an immediate importance.
To obtain a broad sense of packaging strategies for the year, a new question was added to this year's survey, asking food and beverage companies which statements reflect their planned packaging equipment and material activities for this year. In an indication of a healthier economic climate, 42 percent of those polled said they plan to increase capital expenditure projects this year, compared to 21 percent last year. Thirty-seven percent said they plan to implement new lines, 32 percent indicated they would reduce capital expenditure projects, and 18 percent said they plan to outsource projects to co-packers.