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Shrink Wrapping Technology in

Food Packaging Industry

By Dr. J. Anitha*

hrink wrapping is a
contemporary and efficient
Spackaging technology that
has evolved in the past few decades,
enabling firms with the most
practical packaging solutions. While
packaging, the products are wrapped
with a heat sensitive shrink film
and with the help of a heat source,
the shrink film is made to shrink
and fit tightly to the dimensions
of the product, thereby giving
a safe and secure package. The
Shrink wrap solutions protects the
products from dirt, dust, humidity
and environmental influences while
in transit and in store. It definitely
adds abundant value to the prized
merchandise, eliminating pilferages • Pilferage proof packaging – When traditional carton packing on
during transit and ensures tamper- multiple packages, say cans, are the other. Carton packing can be
proof protection for end-users. unitized, and shrink wrapped, it conveniently and cost-effectively
As industries are consistently isn’t easy to tamper with it. replaced for shrink wrapping
optimizing their operations depending on the goods, like
through automation, there is a • Securing boxes – Frozen food, beverages and eco-friendly
crucial need for efficient and agile fruits, vegetables and other cutlery/ crockery.
packaging systems. This enables products packed in boxes are
the manufacturers to increase their secured to safety until it reaches ShRInK WRAPPInG APPLICAtIOn
production and output without the end customers. In thE FOOD InDuStRy
expanding the plant. Food industry is a significant arena,
• Brand promotional packaging for its nature of addressing the basic
PuRPOSE OF ShRInK WRAPPInG – The nature of the shrink need of living beings on this earth.
Shrink wrapping is beneficial in film, whether it is plain and Trends suggest transferring of food
many fronts, of which a few are transparent or is printed with from manufacturers to consumers
listed below: brand info, serve as a promotional through retailers, in safe and secured
tool for the product. It presents packages. Specific packages are
• Unitizing canned goods and the contents to the consumers, in required for different forms of food
beverages – When primary a transparent, yet in a protected right from fresh fruits & vegetables
packages are unitized in and reliable package. to frozen foods; from sachets of
secondary packaging for bulk spices to tetra packs of coffee and tea
transport and storage, shrink • Cost effective - It enhances the powders; and containers of solid food
wrapping serves as a truly customers’ brand lssoyalty and ingredients to liquid ones. Any kind
functional model for an intact transparency on one side and of food packets are securely wrapped
transport. reduces manpower cost over in shrink wrap machines that aids to

Food Marketing & Technology 27 December 2020