Growing demand for “grab-and-go” foods calls for transparent barrier

Growing consumer demand for convenient pre-prepared fresh foods, increased competition for buyer attention on the shelf, and an expanding interest in packaging reduction are all helping drive growth in the barrier film market.
“Food service applications are also driving a new trend toward the replacement of metallized films with clear films, which allow for easy identification and spoilage detection,” says Howard Blum, director of chemicals, plastics and materials at Kline Global Consulting and keynote speaker at EPN’s upcoming Barrier Films conference.
Transparent barrier films are also being recognised for their ability to add value to the “grab-and-go” foods packaging system, he says, allowing packaging designers to create products that really maximise on-shelf selling opportunities.
EPN’s third Barrier Films conference will examine the latest trends and technologies shaping this market. Wipak director of application development Reinhard Ruhland will discuss the challenge of realising new market opportunities, while SYBA Packaging executive secretary Vlado Volek will look at prospects in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
New developments in fresh food and high barrier packaging will be covered by Dr Eggo Ulphard Thoden van Velzen from Wageningen University Research Centre and Dr Klaus Noller from Fraunhofer Institute, while EDI president Tim Callahan will discuss the application opportunities for barrier film multiplier technology.