Environmental Consideration of Packaging

Running head: FOOD PACKAGING0
Food Packaging, Labelling and Dietary Guidelines
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author’s note

FOOD PACKAGING1
Table of Contents
Function of Packaging................................................................................................................2
Packaging of Pauls PhysiCAL no fat skim milk....................................................................2
Packaging of Bannister Downs fresh milk.............................................................................3
Environmental Consideration of Packaging...............................................................................4
Food Products Labelling Requirement under Australian Legislation........................................5
Nutritional Value of Food Products...........................................................................................9
References................................................................................................................................12

FOOD PACKAGING2
Function of Packaging
An integral part of food processing operation is packaging. (1) Protection of packaged
food against mechanical injury and microbial contamination is the main role of food
packaging. Packaging also provides protection against moisture attack and oxygen exposure.
Packaging also provides protection against harmful chemicals and sunlight. Canned food
products, packed inside the microwavable containers bestow stability against temperature
variance. (1) Over the past decades, there have been significant developments in the
packaging industry, which has facilitated the development of the minimally processed foods
and reduction in the cost of packaging. (1)
Packaging of Pauls PhysiCAL no fat skim milk
Pauls PhysiCAL no fat skim milk is retailed in 2 litres of plastic PE (polyethylene)
bottle. (2) Plastic bottle is ideal for this liquid no fat milk because it prevents unwanted
leakage and the handle of the bottle provides ease of access. The other advantage of plastic
bottle is that, it provides protection against microbial contamination, moisture, oxygen,
physical damage and sunlight. It is also cost-effective. Moreover, plastic bottle made of PE is
light in weight aiding the process of transportation, usage, storage and carriage. (3) Another
striking feature of the plastic bottle is, it is recyclable as denoted by the recyclable sign
present over the bottle. However, plastic is produced form the fossil fuels like natural gas, oil
and coal and these fuels emit dangerous greenhouse gases and toxic chemicals, polluting the
environment. Plastic on decomposition produce methane gas, which have high environmental
threats. Plastic, disposed on the water bodies impose threat to the marine life. (4)

FOOD PACKAGING3
Figure: Plastic bottle for Pauls PhysiCAL no fat skim milk
Source: (2)
Packaging of Bannister Downs fresh milk
Bannister Downs fresh milk is retailed in 1 litre pouch pack. (5) The pouch is
manufactured out of fully recyclable and eco-friendly plastic which has an amalgamation of
60% calcium carbonate (limestone). Calcium carbonate shares similar composition to glass
and hence is capable of maintaining the freshness of the milk. (5) It also easy to dispose as it
can be easily crushed or flattened when gets empty. The pouch can also be burnt safely with
no emission of harmful gasses. Another advantage of this kind of packaging is, it is