36TEMA CENTRAL I MAIN TOPIC tón aséptico de 1 litro fabricados con material de embalaje SIG Terra Alu-free + Full barrier, que ya están disponibles en los lineales. Es un material de embalaje de barrera completa para envases de cartón aséptico sin una capa de aluminio, lo que reduce aún más la huella de carbono de los envases de cartón SIG estándar. Sustainability, digitalization, automation and innovation in materials, technologies and design set the trends in packaging for food products. In food, “longevity” is the great megatrend that is redefining the market, as pointed out by the FOOD+i cluster, according to information extracted from its Food4change webinar, in which Malwine Steinbock, CEO of Food Republik and expert in Food Scouting, participated. Malwine Steinbock framed the discussion around a concept of holistic health that connects personal well-being, emotional balance, and the health of the planet. The great challenge for the industry is to convert the consumer’s health intention into a real purchasing practice. The central focus is not only on living longer (lifespan), but on extending the healthspan: the years lived in good health. The concept of food as medicine is increasingly widespread and is also being reflected in an increasingly personalized food offering adapted by age categories: products enriched with Omega-3 and Choline for brain development in childhood, or with beta-glucans and Omega-3 in the 50 plus category. Another trend is innovation in functional foods. Malwine Steinbock’s analysis highlighted two trends: protein, which has already been incorporated into all types of products (now evolving towards “Protein+”, combining it with fiber, Omega-3, or “gluten-free” claims) and the reduction of salt and sugar. The rise of emotional health, functional hydration and performance-oriented nutrition (cognitive, sports, sexual) is also observed. Finally, more and more, health and pleasure are combined; The consumer expects less basic and more indulgent products to be healthier (for example, soft drinks with less sugar). Trends in food packaging Packaging is more sustainable and smart, using less plastic (replaced, where possible, with paper with biodegradable coatings), while promoting return systems and reuse. Added to all this is regulatory pressure, since the European Union has implemented Regulation (EU) 2025/351 and the PPWR, which require packaging to be recyclable or reusable by 2030, establishing strict standards for recycled plastics and traceability throughout the supply chain. Ecodesign is imposed as a “mandatory” to reduce material and facilitate recycling, prioritizing the reduction of thickness without compromising the content, structural simplification (fewer layers, adhesives and inks, single-material packaging), logistical efficiency and the reduction of the carbon footprint. In parallel, innovation in biodegradable and compostable materials (PLA -polylactic acid-, PHA, sugarcane bagasse and biopolymers) does not stop. The goal is not just to replace materials, but to optimize them: greater resistance, more recyclability, better sealing capabilities, more compatibility with automation and improved barriers to ensure safety. Experts focus on how developments in coding and traceability are changing the rules in packaging dedicated to food. The unique codes for each product, whether visible or not, allow it to be tracked and provide additional information about it to the consumer. Standardizing and digitizing data optimizes efficiency and traceability in packaging. There is an increase in brands that rely on smart sensors and labels, which indicate everything from temperature control to the freshness of the food (changing color). TTI (Time-Temperature Indicators) sensors show cumulative heat exposure, essential for animal protein, dairy, fish and refrigerated plant-based options. Humidity and modified atmosphere (MAP) sensors warn of sealing breaks or contamination. And printed microchips capture data at every point in the logistics journey. Dynamic QR codes no longer only lead to the company or brand website, but can offer information in real time. NFC (Near Field Communication) enables interaction without the need for a camera, useful for sensitive data, product authentication and loyalty programs. RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags make it posLas nuevas soluciones de packaging e iniciativas destacan por su sostenibilidad y su apuesta por la economía circular The new packaging solutions and initiatives stand out for their sustainability and their commitment to the circular economy ‘ RetornA-BonArea
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