The Fresh Seafood Packaging solution aims to extend the shelf-life of seafood by using fully automated systems from crate packing to palletizing
Fish is one of the best sources of protein. Fish accounts for approximately 16% of total animal protein in the human diet. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends eating oily fish regularly, and packaging has made it easier to make and sell seafood. Fresh seafood packaging is a vital component of the food chain. As the demand for high-quality food continues to grow, packaging is an important component of this industry. Proper packaging can protect the product from damage or breakage during shipping. The packaging should be durable and lightweight to ensure ease of handling and storage in retail stores.
Today’s consumers can choose products from the aisles without any help from retailers. Fresh seafood packaging can help increase consumer affluence since it attracts customer attention. Many consumers are willing to pay more for convenience, dependability, and appearance. All these factors make packaging a key element in attracting customers. Packaging helps protect products from leakage, deterioration, or damage. For instance, toothpaste comes in a plastic tube or cardboard box. Its attractive appearance entices the consumer to buy the product.
Global fresh seafood packaging market was valued at US$ 11.81 Bn in 2018, and is expected to reach US$ 19.02 Bn by 2027, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.44% over the forecast period.
There are several different types of fresh seafood packaging. The primary material is shrink film, which is used in the packaging of seafood. These products exhibit specific barrier, mechanical, and heat resistance properties and help stabilize the products. They can be segmented based on their technologies, such as vacuum skin packaging and modified atmosphere packaging.
Skin packs are one of the most common types of fresh seafood packaging. Skin packs contain a thin film of transparent plastic and a paperboard backer. Some skin packs contain a heat-sealing coating. Heat-sealing allows the plastic film to bond to the paperboard backer, protecting the product. Using skin packaging is best for small businesses or restaurants that need to keep products fresh.
As fresh seafood packaging evolves, more flexible and unique materials are used to protect the product from damage and ensure it arrives in good condition. Some fish products require several repacking stages on their journey, and producers prefer bulk or interleaved packaging. This ensures that the product will arrive unscathed and in perfect condition. While the requirements for product packaging are similar for both retail and wholesale companies, some specific requirements apply to both.
Other benefits of fresh seafood packaging include extending shelf-life and improving presentation flexibility. Enhanced transparency features in packaging can give consumers an opportunity to check the quality of the product before purchasing. In addition to ensuring quality, VSP packaging also improves the sustainability of the seafood industry. Increasingly, it is preferred by grocery buyers due to its economization of space. It also eliminates the need for a skin packaging machine.
Antimicrobials are another important consideration when it comes to fresh seafood packaging. Certain types of antimicrobials are not effective against all bacteria, and some may even cause adverse health effects. In addition to the antimicrobial properties, some packaging materials have been designed to release antioxidants or enzymes at varying rates. Inorganic antimicrobials are becoming more prevalent in food packaging, and include the use of titanium dioxide, magnesium oxide, and zinc oxide.
Another popular type of fresh seafood packaging is the tin can, which has never lost its popularity. Since they protect the contents effectively, tin cans convince consumers with their long shelf life. Food in this packaging material also maintains its flavor, aroma, and nutritional value. Moreover, it doesn’t require special temperatures for storage, which makes it convenient for consumers.
