What are the best ways to protect food products from light during shipping?

1 Choose opaque packaging materials

One of the simplest and most effective ways to protect food products from light during shipping is to use opaque packaging materials that block or reduce the transmission of light. These can include metal cans, foil pouches, paperboard cartons, or plastic containers with dark colors or coatings. Opaque packaging materials can also help prevent oxygen and moisture from entering the food, which can further enhance its quality and safety. However, opaque packaging materials may not be suitable for all food products, as they may not allow consumers to see the product or its labels, or they may be more expensive or less recyclable than transparent materials.

2 Use light barriers or filters

Another way to protect food products from light during shipping is to use light barriers or filters that can reflect, absorb, or scatter light. These can include laminates, coatings, films, or additives that can be applied to the packaging materials or the food itself. For example, some packaging materials can have UV-blocking or anti-reflective coatings that can prevent ultraviolet or visible light from reaching the food. Some food products can have antioxidants, colorants, or stabilizers that can counteract the effects of light exposure. However, light barriers or filters may not be enough to completely protect food products from light, as they may not cover all the wavelengths or intensities of light, or they may alter the appearance or taste of the food.

3 Store food products in dark places

Another way to protect food products from light during shipping is to store them in dark places that can minimize or eliminate the exposure to light. These can include warehouses, containers, trucks, or boxes that can provide adequate shade, insulation, and ventilation for the food products. Storing food products in dark places can also help maintain their optimal temperature and humidity levels, which can prevent spoilage and deterioration. However, storing food products in dark places may not be feasible or practical for all shipping scenarios, as they may require more space, equipment, or costs, or they may not be available or accessible at all times.

4 Monitor and control light exposure

Another way to protect food products from light during shipping is to monitor and control the amount and duration of light exposure that they receive. This can involve using sensors, indicators, or labels that can measure or display the level of light exposure or the degree of damage that the food products have suffered. For example, some packaging materials can have time-temperature indicators or color-changing labels that can show the freshness or quality of the food products based on the light exposure. Monitoring and controlling light exposure can also involve adjusting the shipping schedule, route, or mode to avoid or reduce the exposure to sunlight or artificial light. However, monitoring and controlling light exposure may not be easy or accurate for all food products, as they may have different sensitivity or tolerance to light, or they may be affected by other factors, such as heat or vibration.

5 Educate and inform stakeholders

Another way to protect food products from light during shipping is to educate and inform the stakeholders involved in the shipping process about the importance and the methods of light protection. These can include the food manufacturers, packagers, shippers, retailers, and consumers who can play a role in ensuring the quality and safety of the food products. Educating and informing stakeholders can involve providing clear and accurate information, instructions, or guidelines on the packaging materials, storage conditions, transport methods, and handling practices that can protect food products from light. Educating and informing stakeholders can also involve raising awareness and promoting good practices that can reduce the environmental impact and the waste of food products due to light damage.