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Food packaging 
Increasingly, the package is more than just a vessel to contain the food or drink, it is an integral part of the product: it protects, preserves and provides the first impression of the contents. Reflecting this, our packaging services have grown significantly in recent years as we help companies identify appropriate packaging for their product, test the properties of alternative materials, troubleshoot problems that arise and monitor the latest developments in packaging technology. Permeability testing of packaging materials is a good example as Alan Campbell, CCFRA's Packaging Technology Manager, explains. “Oxygen and water vapour can adversely affect the flavour, texture, colour and nutritional properties of food. Manufacturers and processors who use partially permeable packaging such as plastic films have to bear this in mind. We have the equipment for measuring oxygen and water vapour transmission rates through a variety of plastics films and packages, and the expertise to explain the significance of the measurements for product quality and shelf-life.” With facilities to conduct pilot trials for everything from modified atmosphere and aseptic packaging to sterilisation and microwaving, we are involved with the full range of flexible and rigid packaging materials – from pouches, trays and bags to glass and metal. We often get asked to troubleshoot packaging problems, and carry out integrity testing to determine leaks and the strength of package seals. Multi-laminate pouches, for example, are increasingly popular for many quality products, ranging from soup to pet food. Although proving very successful, the introduction of new materials can occasionally lead to problems. An understanding of the structure of the material around possible faults - such as channels across seals – combined with a knowledge of the sealing technology, can help to provide a rapid solution to the problem. Sections of flexible laminates or rigid plastic containers can be examined microscopically and analysed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy to confirm the composition of the material, check that the thickness of individual layers is as specified, or identify layers which are delaminating. “Microscopy is a good example of how we are able to call upon the expertise of specialist colleagues to solve problems. We also work with chemists for taint or migration problems, hygiene specialists for cleanability of packaging systems, product intelligence experts for novel products in the marketplace, and food law experts for packaging legislation” adds Alan. With an eye to the future we have increasingly been monitoring developments with a range of active and intelligent packaging formats to advise companies who want to make use of them – from oxygen and moisture scavengers, lactose and cholesterol removers and microwave susceptors to radio-frequency (RFID) tagging, anti-counterfeit devices and microwave 'doneness' indicators.
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