Industrial packaging developments for the global meat market.

Packaging companies must carefully monitor retail and consumer trends to best utilize, direct, or prioritize their research dollars in developing packaging and packaging systems to meet these demands. This paper reviews packaging developments that are resulting from numerous trends taking place in the meat industry and in the retail sector. Current case ready packaging solutions that meet the needs of retailers to reduce labor in the back of the retail stores, and the consumer needs for a fresh product with excellent quality and palatability are also discussed. It will also review the current packaging options that are being developed to help consumers battle their "time crunch" with ready meal solutions. Finally, the necessity to increase food safety or eliminate pathogens while producing a high quality product continues to drive packaging development. Current systems and packaging available for post packaging pasteurization will be discussed.