Packaging means placing a commodity into a protective wrapper or container for transport or storage. Package has three fold functions of containing, protecting and merchandising. Package should be large one with proper constructional features so as to avoid leakage and spoilage. It provides protection of the product against contamination or loss and damage or degradation due to microbial action, exposure to heat, light, moisture and oxygen, evaporation etc. It also helps in selling the products.
In old day's, for packaging of milk and milk products, traditional methods and containers like earthware cups, wooden baskets with leaf lining were in use. But as a result of globalization newer marketing systems like super markets, self services stores etc started and packaging technology in these sector risen to great heights. Newer and better packaging materials, development of packaging machinery and appliances have all advanced in an integrated manner.
While packaging of milk and milk products care should be taken to avoid spoilage. Packaging machinery should be suitable and in good condition for filling, sealing. Gas packaging is properly done, keep head space and seal properly to avoid entry of microbes. With rapid industrialization and improvement in transportation methods, packaging standards would have to be reviewed periodically so as to effect an economy in packaging-which is so vital, particularly in international trade.
Packing materials and forms
Following are the packing materials used for packaging different milk products.
A) Materials
Paper and paper based products
The papers are used commonly in the form of wrappers, cartons, boxes, bags etc. The merits of paper are its relative weightlessness, low cost and easy disposal, its availability in various types etc while disadvantages are it is of low tear and wet-strength (unless treated or coated).But for packaging of cheese coated or lined papers are used.
Plastics
A wide variety of rigid plastics can be used as thermoformed, such as bottles, cartons etc. Flexible plastic packaging films are used as wrappers/bags/pouches. These are of two types namely low polymers which includes cellophane (coated with polyethylene) and high polymers which includes polypropylene, polystyrene, polyester etc. The merits of rigid plastic containers are its low cost and ease of fabrication, and demerits are lack of product compatibility, plastic deterioration, lack of resistance to high heat and fragility at low temperatures.
Aluminium foil
Aluminium foil has good barrier properties, is greaseproof, non-sorptive, shrink-proof, odourless and tasteless, hygienic, non-toxic, bright in appearance etc. The common thickness of this medium for use in products is 0.012 to 0.015mm. Disadvantages are it has low tear strength, is attacked by certain strong alkalis and acids, and it does not heat-seal by itself.
Timber
Timber is used in the form of box, tub or barrel. It should be free from odour, have an attractive appearance and necessary mechanical strength. It may be treated with casein-formalin, or spread with paraffin wax or plastics, to make it more water resistant and prevent the passage of the timber-taint to butter. Wooden boxes are commonly used for film packaging of green cheese to preserve their shapes.
Glass
Glass may be transparent or opaque. Used in the form of bottles, jars, jugs etc. Glass has the merits of strength, rigidity, and an excellent gas and water vapour barrier while the disadvantage is of heavy weight and fragility.
Tinplate
This consists of a thin sheet (0.025mm thick) of mild steel coated on both sides with a layer of pure tin. Tinplates have the merits of good strength, excellent barrier properties while the demerits are of high cost, heavy weight, difficult reclosure and disposal. It is used in the form of cans.
Laminates
Laminations are made for following reasons: To further strengthen the film material; to improve barrier properties; to improve grease-resistance; to provide a surface that will heat-seal; etc. Some typical laminates are paper polythene, cellophane-polythene, and polyester-polythene.
- Forms
Bottle
The glass bottle still continues to be the most frequently used package for milk in the world. Rigid plastic bottles are in use for packaging milk and liquid milk products.
Cartons
Cartons play a significant role in the bulk packaging of milk. Cartons are commonly used for liquid, frozen and coagulated milk products. They are commonly available either as performed containers or as precut blanks ready to be formed into containers. Fibreboard cartons with overwrap of foil or inner lining of foil laminated to paper are used for dry milk powder packaging.
Cup
It is made up of paper with wax or plastic coating on the inside. It is used for frozen and coagulated products, like ice-creams. Also plastic/ plastic coated cups are used for packaging of curd.
Sachet/pouch
The bags may be formed from either a reeled or flat film. Generally it is a form/seal system. Ultra-violate light may be used to sterilize the film. Dry milk products like dry whey, cream powder, cheese powder, ice-cream powder, khoa powder, shrikhand powder etc.are packed in conventional bags with polythene liners. Plastic film bags/pouches, laminated pouches are used for packaging chhana.
Can
This is a commonly used for all types of solid, semi-solid and powdered products. Recently aluminium cans have been introduced. Cans are the most convenient for gas packing. Tin cans are used for packaging the cream, butter, butter oil etc. For retail market fillers like cans are used to package condensed milk.
Barrel
Commonly made of wood and coated with wax on inner surface. Used for bulk packaging of sweetened condensed milk, semi-solid buttermilk etc.
Collapsible tube
It is made up of aluminum and lacquered on the inner side. Its merits are low cost, light weightedness, is of handling, product protection etc. It is used for semi-fluid products such as sweetened condensed milk, processed cheese spread etc.
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