New packaging technologies for the 21st century.

This paper reviews the major influencers that will drive change in meat packaging. A review of the current state of fresh-meat packaging in the US has shown a continued evolution to case ready packaging, with 60% of the packages audited being in the case ready format, versus 49% just two years earlier. Additionally, the market is moving to a higher degree of convenience in the meat case, and reducing the linear feet devoted to fresh meat (69% fresh meat linear feet two years ago, versus 63% in 2004). Additional evidence for the growth of convenience items was shown by a 48% growth in shelf stable meal kits between 1998 and 2003. Packaging innovations have been developed to meet these needs for convenience, but have largely been implemented outside of the meat industry. These include, but are not limited to, lines of hand-held soups, self-heating cans and cartons that are replacing the traditional steel can for retort purposes. The recent developments of films that are ovenable in traditional as well as microwave ovens are critical to the further advancement of convenience meat items. Material costs are also driving the need for packaging innovations. Polyethylene costs rose 20% during the second half of 2003, which is largely due to increased petroleum costs. As petroleum costs are sustained at the current high levels, renewable packaging for food, such as materials based on polylactide, will become more feasible. Labor costs and availability at retail will continue to drive the demand for case ready packaging innovations. The recent regulatory approval of carbon monoxide in fresh meat packaging in the US will enable greater usage of low oxygen packaging formats and should provide greater retail acceptance of case ready in the US.