AMETEK MOCON enables development of sustainable food packaging

INNOVATION
Monday, September 18, 2023

AMETEK MOCON enables development of sustainable food packaging

The Background

Reducing carbon emissions

As the global initiative to reduce carbon emissions continues to expand, bioplastics have grown extensively in production and use cases. On the threshold of mass innovation are hyper-degradable edible films and coatings. These materials can be made from agricultural waste, such as starches and brewery residues, which reduces competition for farmland space, saving up to 87% of carbon emissions.

These materials — which don’t require recycling — come from renewable sources and completely biodegrade in weeks if not eaten, dramatically reducing waste. Industries where single-serve portions are common, like travel and hospitality, may especially benefit. R&D sectors are developing edible packaging — largely comprised of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids — for applications ranging from pre-formed mushroom trays to coffee lids. Seaweed and casein (milk protein) films are at the forefront of this innovative space.

The Challenge

Unknown barrier properties

Permeation rate, or the amount of gas and water vapor able to move through a barrier, varies widely between different materials. It’s critical to understand the barrier properties of a material in development, as this determines how long it will protect and maintain a product. Because biodegradable packaging is intrinsically unstable, it poses several challenges for packaging development. Edible materials may allow in more oxygen, a major culprit in food product decomposition. While some oxygen transmission is necessary for certain products, such as fresh produce, it can shorten the shelf life of other food and drink products. Rancidity of the edible coating itself, especially during transit, is another concern. Before edible barriers go to mass production, labs must first determine whether a material is a viable option.

The Solution

Fast and accurate evaluation

Oxygen Permeation Analyzers from AMETEK MOCON help companies evaluate potential packaging materials quickly and accurately. Instruments like the OX-TRAN 2/12 R have a wide detection range. This allows labs to test a large variety of samples, including highly permeable materials like seaweed films and lower transmitting structures formed from casein.

While these materials can be more challenging to develop, the long-term benefits are worth it. AMETEK MOCON is committed to providing R&D labs with the tools they need, and helping every company work towards sustainability.

Learn more about AMETEK MOCON at ametekmocon.com