Uflex develops anti-microbial flexible packaging material

Jeevaraj Pillai, joint president, packaging and new product development, Uflex, said, “In this flexible packaging material, the sealant layer is specially compounded with anti-microbial properties. In fact, this is active anti-microbial packaging and is used to actively modify the internal environment by continuous interaction with the food over the stipulated shelf-life. Active packaging can be defined as a system that modifies the environment inside the food package thereby altering the state of the packaged food system and its headspace to enhance its quality by extension of shelf-life, enhancement of sensory qualities, and maintenance of microbial safety.”

Pillai said, in a trial that the company recently conducted at room temperature (without refrigeration or any temperature control), the sandwich packed in normal pouch was spoiled after 3-4 days as opposed to the one that was packed in the new flexible packaging material that could keep it protected from microbial growth for almost 8-9 days.

“Bread has active yeast. Therefore, the real challenge for the packaging was to curb the yeast from outgrowing. In fact, the most effective or let’s say, the litmus test, of this anti-microbial pouch is for bread because of its active yeast which in ripe temperature goes foul in about 48 hours if kept un-protected,” he added.

The pouch remains dormant until it is empty and swings into action only when it comes in contact with food. “We also conducted trials on Paranthas and the results have been very encouraging. In a tropical weather like we have in India, this packaging solution can be very helpful in stopping the growth of fungi and other microbes that spoil food. Trials for other varieties of perishable food products like those with high fat content and for meat and poultry products are on at the moment,” Pillai said.

Further, Pillai said, this sealant layer, if incorporated in a zip-pouch, can actually redefine its sales trajectory. “While an ordinary two ply zip-pouch only protects the food items from the environment to keep the aroma intact or let’s say protect it from dust etc, this product will actually work one step ahead and prevent the food from decay over a defined period of time thereby extending its shelf life even at room temperature without any refrigeration/ cold chain for that matter,” he said.

Anup Kansal, president, packaging business Uflex, said, “This new innovation from Uflex sits well with our existing range of zip-pouch brand. This product is a great value to our consumers by securing their food at room temperature over extended periods. It is a boon to people who want to stick to home food while on their daily commute or travelling away from home.”

Ashok Chaturvedi, chairman and managing director, Uflex, said, “The innovation and utility quotient of our new flexible packaging material with anti-microbial properties is very high. This is a concrete and definitive step towards curtailing food wastage through efficient packaging.”