Food Packaging & Shelf Life

Packaging is at the center of the sustainability and food-waste agenda, with EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) mandates, EPR schemes, and US state-level extended producer responsibility laws driving rapid material substitution. The track will review fiber-based and PHA/PLA bio-based barriers, mono-material recyclable structures replacing multi-layer laminates, and the phase-out of PFAS food-contact substances under FDA and California AB 1200. Active and intelligent packaging — oxygen scavengers, antimicrobial sachets, time-temperature indicators, and freshness-sensing labels — will be examined alongside cold-chain digitization and modified atmosphere packaging for fresh-cut produce.