Food packaging plants face a host of challenges in terms of eliminating food waste, improving safety and increasing uptime. These challenges are heightened by a confluence of external factors including pressure on margins, responding to real-time demand, requirements to use sustainable materials and others.

Over half of respondents to a survey in the U.S., China, Germany and Finland say they'd pay more for renewable food packaging, Kemira finds, and most hope to reduce their use of plastic.

Food brands owners often come to us when their current packaging design is hindering them from taking a brand to the next level. It’s gotten them to a certain point, but now they are ready to invest in a design that will dramatically increase sales.

Consumers are looking for convenience in poultry products due to smaller households and busy schedules. There is high demand for microwave-safe, flexible packaging options and designs with resealable closures, such as zippers, and small portions. As well, poultry packaging manufacturers are introducing innovative products that now include intelligent technologies.

The challenges for today’s food manufacturing market and the five S’s to consider when choosing packaging: sustainability, shelf-life, size, shape and smart labels.