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2010
Conference Paper
Titel
Active packaging - Application, benefits and constraints
Abstract
Active packages were developed to deliberately absorb or release substances from or into foods and their environment. They complement the functionalities of conventional passive packages, e.g. their barrier and protection properties. The most important active functions are oxygen absorption, moisture absorption, ethylene absorption, release of antimicrobial substances and antioxidants. Even though research in this field intensified in the last decade leading to new commercial applications additional research is needed to improve the effectiveness and the characteristics of existing active systems. The state of the art and the application areas for available oxygen absorbing, moisture absorbing and antimicrobial films are presented. In addition, new developments of the Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging suitable for flexible films are shown. The properties of the active systems - particularly the benefits and the constraints - are discussed in reg ard to the processability, the food requirements and legal aspects.
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