Wrap it up!

Packaging has become an important factor during the pandemic. People prefer to buy big brand packaged food products as they believe that these are more hygienic with less usage of human hands. They believe that packed under hygienic conditions, untouched by human hands, these packaged bakery products are less likely to spread the dreaded disease. The manufacturers’ objective of packaging food products is to protect it from spoilage or deterioration due to physical or chemical damage. Packaging, thus, not only ensures hygiene, by preventing tampering, but also helps in keeping the food from decaying. Besides this, it also provides product information and makes it look more presentable and appetizing. Ashok Malkani takes a look at the different types of packaging material available for bakery products and how they aid in increasing the products’ shelf life. New technologies have been adopted to enable bakery products maintain their freshness. He also takes a look at the future of bakery packaging to enable those desirous of entering the bakery packaging field, or starting a new bakery, keep abreast of the new emerging trends.

- Ashok Malkani

As corona virus pandemic rages unabated, globally, people have become more aware about the significance of buying packaged food products, particularly bakery items. They have come to realize that packed bakery items are safer in comparison to products sold loose. The pandemic has impacted the importance of offering products that are prepackaged and individually wrapped.

Corona virus pandemic has paved the way for clean and hygienic environment inside the factory too. Proper maintenance of the machines and hygiene control are the important factors in the production of bakery products.

Today packaging in the bakery industry has become as important as the contents. Packaging saves the product from being touched by hands multiple times, decreasing the possibility of being contaminated and carrier of diseases during the pandemic. Besides keeping the product hygienic, packaging also prolongs its shelf life and facilitates long distance transportation. .

Bakery products, it may be mentioned, are popular not only among the millenials but with people of all ages – and at all times! Be it breakfast, lunch, dinner or even between meals! Bakery products are good for your health. They are an important source of nutrients viz. energy, protein, iron, calcium and several vitamins. Bread and biscuits contain 7.5% and 7.8% of proteins respectively.

Biscuits which can be consumed during travel and also at home, due to the variety of pack sizes, are among the cheapest processed food items. Offering substantial energy, they play an important role as diet supplement for children as well as adults.