In the evolving packaging landscape, contamination prevention has become a focus in the food, pharmaceutical, and healthcare industries.
With the global antimicrobial packaging market forecasted to rise at a cumulative growth rate of 5.5% from 2021 to 2026, businesses are increasingly adopting innovative solutions to maintain product integrity and extend shelf life.
Studies have shown that antimicrobial solutions can reduce the microbial load in food products by up to 99%. They also extend the shelf life of perishable goods by up to 300%, making them essential for a packaging supply store and businesses where longevity and hygiene are paramount.
What is Antimicrobial Packaging?
This active solution incorporates substances capable of inhibiting the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and mould in a food box. This involves the release or surface contact of agents that disrupt microbial cell walls, interfere with cell metabolism, or prevent replication.
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Migration of Active Agents |
Compounds embedded in the material slowly migrate to the surface, where they come into contact with microorganisms. This reduces surface contamination in meat, poultry, and fresh produce. |
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Contact-Active Mechanism |
The agents are immobilized on the surface, exerting their effects by direct contact with microorganisms. This minimizes the migration risk into the product, making it more suitable for items requiring low or no direct chemical interaction, such as medical devices. |
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Release-Active System |
This gradually releases agents into the product over time. It is designed for applications requiring long-term microbial inhibition, such as vacuum-sealed food products or pharmaceuticals with extended shelf life. |
Types of Antimicrobial Agents
Inorganic
Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs)
These are incorporated into polymer matrices such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). The nanoparticles release silver ions (Ag+), which interact with microbial cell walls and membranes, disrupting cellular processes and causing cell death.
Zinc Oxide (ZnO) Nanoparticles
It exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and fungi. ZnO nanoparticles can also enhance UV-blocking properties.
Titanium Dioxide (TiO2)
It is commonly used as a photocatalyst and is activated by UV light, enhancing its antimicrobial action. It forms reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as hydroxyl radicals, that can oxidize and destroy microbial cell walls.
Organic
Essential Oils
Plant-derived essential oils like thyme, clove, and cinnamon are known for their antimicrobial properties. These natural agents are used in biodegradable antimicrobial systems and are particularly effective against foodborne pathogens such as E. coli and Salmonella.
Organic Acids
Organic acids commonly used in food packs, such as lactic acid, citric acid, and benzoic acid, lower the surface pH, creating an environment unsuitable for microbial growth. These acids are effective against moulds and yeasts.
Chitosan
Chitosan is a natural polymer found in the exoskeletons of crustaceans. It is derived from chitin and exhibits strong germicidal and antifungal properties. It is widely used in biodegradable packs for food preservation.
Biopolymers and Enzyme-Based
- Lysozyme breaks down the peptidoglycan in bacterial cell walls. A protection against Gram-positive bacteria like Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus. Incorporated into packaging supplies like edible films.
- Nisin is a bacteriocin—a peptide produced by certain bacteria—that inhibits the growth of Gram-positive bacteria. It is commonly used in combination with other biopolymers to create germicidal films.
Where Does It Apply?
Meat and Poultry
Fresh meat and poultry are highly susceptible to contamination by Salmonella and Campylobacter and spoilage bacteria like Pseudomonas. Antimicrobial packages containing silver nanoparticles or organic acids can reduce microbial growth on the surface of these products by up to 2-3 log cycles during refrigerated storage.
Fresh Produce
Fresh fruits and vegetables are prone to spoilage due to microbial contamination and enzymatic degradation. Films made from chitosan or essential oils help reduce the growth of moulds, yeasts, and bacteria on fresh produce by up to 50%.
Dairy Product
Dairies, especially cheese and yogurt, are vulnerable to contamination by mould and yeast. Solutions containing organic acids or lysozyme effectively control microbial growth in dairy products.
- For example, nisin used in cheese has been shown to suppress the growth of Listeria monocytogenes and extend shelf life by several weeks.
How About Sealed Food Packaging?
This prevents contaminants' ingress and controls the food's internal environment. Properly sealed food adds a barrier against oxygen, moisture, or microorganisms, which cause spoilage, reduce shelf life, and pose safety risks.
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Preventing Oxygen Ingress |
Oxygen is a main factor in the oxidation of fats and oils, which leads to rancidity and in the growth of aerobic bacteria and moulds. |
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Controlling Moisture Levels |
Moisture can lead to microbial growth, spoilage, and textural degradation in food products, especially those that need to remain dry, like snacks and cereals. |
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Preventing Contamination |
Sealed packs create a physical barrier that blocks the entry of dust, bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants. |
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Extending Shelf Life |
Sealed items extend the shelf life of perishable goods by controlling the internal atmosphere and preventing contamination. |
Sealing Technologies
Heat
The process involves applying heat and pressure to the material to melt and fuse the layers, creating a hermetic seal that prevents air entry and contaminants.
Vacuum
A method that removes the air before sealing it, creating an anaerobic environment that inhibits the growth of aerobic microorganisms such as moulds, yeasts, and bacteria.
Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP)
A sophisticated technique that alters the composition of gases to extend the shelf life of products. Typically, the product is filled with carbon dioxide (CO₂) and nitrogen (N₂) to suppress microbial growth and oxidative spoilage.
- For fresh meat, the atmosphere consists of high levels of carbon dioxide (20-30%) and low oxygen (less than 1%).
- For vegetables, a high-nitrogen environment inhibits spoilage without causing asphyxiation.
Cold
This uses pressure-sensitive adhesives rather than heat to create a seal, making it suitable for chocolate, confectionery, and pharmaceutical items. In this method, the material is coated with an adhesive that forms a seal when applying pressure.
Packaging Options Against Contamination
High-Barrier Films
These are made from laminates that combine polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), nylon, and ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH). They are used to pack dry products such as coffee and snacks.
Metalized Films
These are polymer films coated with a thin layer of metal, usually aluminum. The metal coating prevents light from entering the product, protecting light-sensitive products like oils and snacks from oxidative damage.
Biodegradable
Polylactic Acid (PLA) is a biodegradable polymer made from corn starch or sugarcane. It is commonly used in flexible films for fresh produce and ready-to-eat foods.
Edible
These thin layers of biodegradable materials, made from proteins, polysaccharides, and lipids, can be consumed with the product.
- Best for fresh-cut fruits and vegetables, baked goods and dairy products.
Vacuum Sealed Products to Protect Your Produce
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Product |
Size |
Unit |
Price |
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6" x 10": 2,000 Units |
Carton |
$325.00 |
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8" x 12": 2,000 Units |
$510.00 |
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11" x 16": 1,000 Units |
$375.00 |
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6" x 10" |
100 |
$19.00 |
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8" x 12" |
$30.00 |
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11" x 16" |
$45.00 |
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8" x 50' Carton: 24 Rolls |
Carton |
$310.00 |
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11" x 50' Carton: 15 Rolls |
$195.00 (70% off from $640.00) |
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15" x 50' Carton: 15 Rolls |
$360.00 |
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8" x 50' |
Roll |
$19.95 |
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11" x 50' |
$20.95 |
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15" x 50' |
$33.95 |
Ensuring Food Safety with Patek Packaging
Innovations in food packaging—particularly antimicrobial and sealed designs—are imperative in combating contamination, extending shelf life, delivery, convenience, and ensuring food safety.
Incorporating antibacterial agents such as silver nanoparticles, organic acids, essential oils, vacuum sealing, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), and high-barrier films reduces the risk of microbial growth and product degradation.
Patek Packaging Richmond, your one-stop shop for cost-effective supplies and shipping, is committed to providing food solutions like boxes, films, and bags tailored to your industry needs. Whether you need antimicrobial packing for perishable goods or sealed designs, we have the expertise and technologies to meet the highest safety standards for your business.
Show now with Patek Packaging’s Vacuum Seal Collections—let us help you with uncompromised food safety and quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much moisture can high-barrier films prevent from entering packaged products?
These can prevent up to 99.9% of external moisture from entering, depending on the material's moisture vapour transmission rate (MVTR). Films like polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and metalized foils offer good moisture resistance, protecting sensitive products like snacks, cereals, and coffee from becoming stale or degraded due to humidity exposure.
For example, these films can reduce moisture ingress by up to 100-fold compared to standard polyethylene packaging.
What percentage of contamination is reduced by antibacterial packaging in meat products?
It can reduce contamination by up to 90-95%. For example, silver nanoparticles have been found to reduce E. coli and Salmonella contamination by over 90% in treated meat products.
Packaging infused with natural agents like essential oils (e.g., thyme, oregano) can reduce microbial counts by 80-85% for certain pathogens, extending both safety and shelf life.
How does sealed packaging affect the oxygen transmission rate (OTR)?
Compared to standard films, it can reduce OTR by as much as 99%. For example, ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) can limit oxygen permeation to less than 0.1 cm³/m²/day, while regular polyethylene films can have OTR values of up to 500 cm³/m²/day.