A UK-based packaging company has developed flexible packaging with built-in antimicrobial technology to reduce bacteria growth on the outer packaging of fresh poultry.
The company, Parkside Flexible Europe, puts a silver-based additive in coatings for the packaging.
The additive is known to kill 99.9 per cent of micro-organisms.
“The demand for ready-to-eat, fresh, and easily prepared food is increasing," Parkside's Paula Birch said.
"As the growth of bacteria on packaged foodstuffs continues to cause safety and quality problems, the company has designed and developed a range of flexible packaging solutions which incorporate antimicrobial technology to improve pack functionality.”
The technology used by Parkside incorporates silver ions into coatings and is aimed specifically at the poultry sector and other protein markets where campylobacter is a major issue.
This bacteria is the most common cause of food poisoning and is an increasing concern for the food supply chain.
To date, the anti-microbial solution has been incorporated into PET packaging and has undergone a series of trials.
Independently tested and verified, the products have passed initial trials for indirect and direct food contact.
Parkside is also involved with other antimicrobial projects that have received government funding.
The projects involve collaborative work with a range of partners including leading universities, coating manufacturers, and a UK poultry packer to develop natural-based coatings which help kill bacteria.
These developments and many more will be discussed at the Active and Intelligent Packaging Industry Association (AIPIA) Congress in Amsterdam this November.
You can find out more about the congress here and the AIPIA here.
