What's your method for staying current on food packaging and labeling research?

To stay current on food packaging and labeling research, consider the following methods: Academic Journals: Regularly read peer-reviewed academic journals related to food packaging and labeling. Industry Publications: Follow industry-specific publications for the latest news and trends. Professional Associations: Join relevant professional organizations for access to resources and industry updates. Conferences: Attend industry-specific conferences and trade shows. Online Databases: Use online research databases like PubMed or Google Scholar. Google Alerts: Set up Google Alerts for keywords related to your field.

I would like to say that there are many sources of information but the actual innovations that work with your product matters.So when we grab any new concept from online portal we discuss our requirements with packaging material supplier to develop the same so that we can move ahead

the best way I am following is to get samples from the supplier and do a test in the worst line if we get a loss of more than 0.5%, the samples will be rejected to improve, and if below 0.5% will ask for commercial quantity could be more than 10000 pcs for mall SKU and more than 2000 for big SKU, and will monitor the coming batches for at least 7 batches to ensure that the packaging is suitable to the desired line.

One of the ways is to subscribe to the regulatory agencies for updates and new rules and regulations. Become part of IAFP or similar organizations.

In my experiences over the last 8 years in food manufacturing I have found that a great way to stay current is with obtaining samples of packing ing from sales representatives. The. We are able to see and test before making a decision. I have also made in person visits to the packaging manufacturing facilities to see all their options.

I believe doing that is crucial for professionals in the field. It offers numerous benefits. It provides a platform for knowledge sharing and staying up-to-date with the latest trends in food packaging & labeling. In addition to opportunities for networking and collaboration. There are two examples of such attended events that are worth mentioning: 1. "Innovations in Food Packaging: Trends and Technologies": webinar focuses on the latest advancements in food packaging, including smart packaging and active packaging. 2. "Sustainable Packaging Solutions for the Food Industry": webinar highlights sustainable packaging practices, such as biodegradable materials and recyclable packaging.

This is a no-brainer. Webinars are often free, convenient and a great source of information and insight. Often searching LinkedIn's event section can unearth some hidden gems from companies not always in your immediate network. Conferences are also really important to me and you can't beat face-to-face interactions to help build relationships.

Many free events are brilliant, others can be overwhelmingly sales-focused where paid stage slots drive bias content from different industry voices. Make sure you have webinars and conferences with a mix of people from industry, NGO's and consultants - a line up of producers will not enable you to get the right insights or hand the right agenda.

I totally agree with this and the seminars and conferences are the platform for knowledge gain. We can clear our doubts with experts.

These events are so important... like a backstage pass to the latest industry trends! Allow you to hear directly from experts, participate in discussions, and ask questions. The beauty of webinars is that you can tune in from anywhere, and truly get a global perspective without having to travel—many conferences now offer hybrid options, combining in-person and virtual experiences for those who love to network f2f.

Platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram have transformed into vital sources of packaging information—they're now dynamic hubs where industry experts regularly disseminate invaluable insights. By curating your follow list with industry-relevant accounts and hashtags, you can establish a direct pipeline to the latest trends and developments. What sets social media apart is its capacity for real-time engagement. It encourages active participation in industry dialogues, enabling professionals to seek clarification, engage in discussions, and contribute to the collective knowledge pool—transforms you from a passive observer into an active participant.

Themed platforms surrounding issues like reuse and refill are becoming more prevalent and useful refs for contacts and the basics. They can be limited in high value intel because many don't want to share too much for free. Choose carefully and pay for ones that will deliver true ROI

AIB International has provided a top-notch food labeling course since the late 1990's. Elaine Meloan and Donnell Scott have continually updated and presented the course since 2002. Plans are to offer it twice again in 2024.

AIB International has provided labeling services since 1993 and still provides free technical assistance to the food industry.

For non-food professionals, by simply paying attention to packaging designs and labels of products on the supermarket shelves, you can learn a lot. If you want to delve in deeper, current research articles available on Food Science and Food Packaging related journals is really helpful. Professional bodies like IFST and IFT also discuss packaging related topics often in their webinars and technical fact sheets.

Go shopping. Concentrate on CPG that you are less familiar with. How do the "big guys" label? Larger companies are more likely to garner public interest and public unrest so they tend to be more cautious in following regulations, they also tend to have more experienced regulatory personnel creating their labels. Be a student in the store.

In addition to above mentioned networking events like conferences and trade shows, and numerous free media channels such as specialized LinkedIn groups, webinars, and expert newsletters, I find it useful to have a multi-faceted approach employing AI - specialized research apps to scan scientific databases, like ScienceDirect for insights into material science and technology trends. Additionally, I find it useful to combine all of the above with ChatGPT to screen specific packaging segments for new players such as innovative start-ups and emerging material suppliers.