What are your methods for evaluating food packaging shelf life?

1 Accelerated aging tests

One of the most common methods for evaluating food packaging shelf life is to use accelerated aging tests, which simulate the effects of environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, light, and oxygen on the packaging material. By exposing the packaging to higher or lower levels of these factors than normal, you can estimate how long the packaging will last under normal conditions. Accelerated aging tests can help you compare different packaging materials, identify potential failures, and optimize the packaging design.

2 Sensory analysis

Another method for evaluating food packaging shelf life is to use sensory analysis, which involves measuring the changes in the appearance, odor, flavor, and texture of the food product inside the packaging over time. Sensory analysis can help you determine the acceptability and quality of the food product, as well as the compatibility and functionality of the packaging material. Sensory analysis can be performed by trained panelists or consumers, using various methods such as hedonic scales, preference tests, or descriptive analysis.

3 Chemical and physical analysis

A third method for evaluating food packaging shelf life is to use chemical and physical analysis, which involves measuring the changes in the composition, structure, and properties of the packaging material and the food product over time. Chemical and physical analysis can help you detect and quantify the degradation, migration, permeation, and interaction of the packaging material and the food product, as well as the formation of undesirable compounds such as off-flavors, off-odors, or toxins. Chemical and physical analysis can be performed by using various instruments and techniques such as chromatography, spectroscopy, microscopy, or rheology.

4 Mathematical modeling

A fourth method for evaluating food packaging shelf life is to use mathematical modeling, which involves using mathematical equations and software to predict the behavior and performance of the packaging material and the food product over time. Mathematical modeling can help you estimate the shelf life of your food packaging based on the available data and assumptions, as well as to optimize the packaging parameters and conditions. Mathematical modeling can be performed by using various software and tools such as Excel, Matlab, or R.

5 Shelf life testing

A fifth method for evaluating food packaging shelf life is to use shelf life testing, which involves storing the packaged food product under real or simulated conditions for a period of time and monitoring the changes in the packaging material and the food product. Shelf life testing can help you validate and verify the results of the other methods, as well as to comply with the regulatory and safety requirements. Shelf life testing can be performed by using various methods such as open shelf life testing, controlled shelf life testing, or challenge testing.

6 Combination of methods

A sixth method for evaluating food packaging shelf life is to use a combination of methods, which involves using two or more of the above methods to complement and corroborate each other. A combination of methods can help you obtain a more comprehensive and accurate assessment of your food packaging shelf life, as well as to address the complexity and variability of the packaging material and the food product. A combination of methods can be performed by using a systematic and integrated approach, such as the shelf life protocol or the shelf life decision tree.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?