Seminar on innovations in food packaging organised

Association of Food Scientists and Technologists (AFST) (I) Mumbai chapter organised a seminar on packaging innovations, regulatory compliance, and shifting consumer trends in the food industry at the Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP). 

Bhushan Yengade, joint secretary, AFST(I) Mumbai, opened the panel discussion and 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 develop novel packaging materials, to create more sustainable solutions. As an editor of scientific journals, he pointed out that scientists should actively contribute to food packaging advancements to solve challenges of cost-effectiveness and large-scale implementation in the industry. 

Professor Shalini Arya, president, AFST(I) Mumbai Chapter, 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. 

Poonam V Prakash, assistant director, IIP, elaborated on her views on how consumer preferences are shifting towards sustainable and minimalistic packaging solutions. She discussed the role of the IIP in fostering new developments.

Unnikannan Gangadharan, director, Hell Energy, addressed concerns about microplastics in food packaging and provided insights into the regulatory challenges that companies face in eliminating microplastics from packaging materials. 

Yengade spoke about 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 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 emphasised the importance of industry-government collaboration in driving forward sustainable packaging solutions.

The seminar also featured discussions on how e-commerce and AI have reshaped packaging strategies, the need for a circular economy in packaging, and the importance of consumer education in encouraging responsible disposal. 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 emphasised that cross-industry collaboration, investment in sustainable technologies, and policy support will be key to driving the next wave of innovation in food packaging.