Page 10 - FMT_March

Paper Packaging is the Future The last eight weeks were traumatic and frightening for many.
Packaging is never far away from the main trends in News about the coronavirus outbreak, daily death tolls and
the food industry. It is important because it protects rising numbers infected by the virus has become a public health
the contents, whilst at the same time, promoting emergency of international concern.
what is inside, through design and information and Some of the most common symptoms of coronavirus that you need
finally attracting the consumer to purchase and to know are fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat and breathing
ultimately to repurchase. problem. There are many directives and recommendation from
However there is more to packaging than meets public health agencies for minimising the spread of the virus; it’s
the eye. Sustainability is one of the main issues no surprise that eating well can help support the body’s ability
the industry is facing at the moment, in the light to fight off infections. There are other means to boost the body’s
of increasing climate challenges. Plastic packaging defence mechanism. Here’s how the immune system works, and
is in focus, as consumers are moving away from how to keep it in balance.
synthetic and mineral oil-based barriers – and The immune system is a network of cells, organs, proteins and
towards paper. antibodies that work to guard you against viruses, parasites and
Paper has many advantages over other packaging bacteria.
solutions. The main one, is that it is a natural Every day we inhale one hundred million viruses and the immune
resource which is easily recycled and replaced. The system’s job is to keep us safe. There are two main parts: the innate
customer perception is very good. Paper can also response and the acquired response.
generate a lot of positive emotions, it is easy to print The innate response works out what is friend and foe, then tries to
on and can be produced in a number of colours. flush out the attacker – it’s this that can make us feel feverish. The
Questions have been asked of paper as a suitable acquired response remembers exact invaders and sends the right
barrier in food usage. This is a valid point. To find cells to kill them off.
the right paper quality, the food manufacturer Antioxidant-rich foods including berries, garlic and onion are
must know what he needs. Papers comes in so necessary for building up the immune system, which fights off
many different strengths and grades. New papers viruses. Eating anti-inflammatory rich foods is vital when it comes
standards have removed the possibility of food to the immune system. To ensure you are eating enough anti-
contamination and even when recycled paper is inflammatory rich foods, up your intake of vegetables and fruits.
used, the quality can be very high. Make sure you eat at least five-six vegetables each day that can
Of course, you cannot separate paper from help fight inflammation and ingredients such as turmeric have
sustainability. It is important to hold on to the additional benefits.
positive reputation of paper and at the same time A range of foodstuffs including grass-fed beef, lamb, spinach and
to develop it further. This reflects on every aspect oysters has zinc which helps skin and bones and is intensely
of operations: sourcing, community and business. useful for fighting the flu as it attacks the infected cells.
New protective papers are being designed all the Foods rich in resveratrol such as pistachios, peanuts, grapes, red,
time, especially with customer convenience in white wine, strawberries, blueberries, cranberries and even cocoa
mind. These will be seen at the Interpack show and dark chocolate are helpful to fight fungal infection, ultraviolet
in Dusseldorf in May, where manufacturers, radiation, stress, and injury. Anti-viral herbs such as dried basil,
converters and end-users will come together and oregano, tulsi work great for immunity, and can be used in teas
find solutions for their innovative products. or curries for respiratory well-being including mucous problems
In packaging there are many innovative which can become a breeding ground for bacteria.
technologies developed specifically to meet a Broccoli is a nutrient-packed powerhouse to upkeep your immune
customer’s changing needs, allowing different system. One cup of broccoli feeds equal amount of vitamin C as an
designs for differentiation and – ultimately – the orange. Broccoli supplies an array of B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, and B6).
quest to find a competitive edge. It is also high in beta-carotene, potassium, magnesium, zinc, and
iron.
Boosting the health of your immune system is easy when you
know which foods to eat.

Benno Keller Ian D. Healey
keller@ harnisch.com healey@harnisch.com Linda Brady Hawke