A Lot to Pack in at IFT18

Those with interest in food packaging can connect, form new ties, and learn at IFT18. With four days of science-based packaging insight, there is a lot to pack in at the annual event.

Packaging Sessions
During the IFT18 Scientific Program, a number of food packaging sessions will take place. In session 017, “Advances and Challenges in the Design, Development, and Implementation/Commercialization of Novel Food Processing and Packaging Technologies,” on Monday, July 16, from 10:30 a.m. to noon, Reister-Davis-Brody award recipient Jung Han will discuss the challenges and opportunities in developing new packaging for tofu.

During session 041, “How E-Commerce Is Changing the Food Packaging Landscape,” on Tuesday, July 17, from 10:30 a.m. to noon, presenters Kerri Clark, Sergi Salva Saez, and Jonathan Slagle will highlight how food packaging is evolving to fulfill online shopping of food and beverage needs and how packaging helps make food distribution viable for e-commerce. 

During session 085, “The Future of Food Packaging,” on Wednesday, July 18, from 10:30 a.m. to noon, Dan Ahern, Sunil Mangalassary, Scott Morris, and Claire Sand will discuss issues that are critical to the future of food packaging. Topics that will be explored include projected applications, and areas for research. This session is sponsored by Phi Tau Sigma.

Printed poster and e-poster sessions in the food packaging category will be presented on Tuesday, July 17, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Some of the topics the posters will cover include the following:

• modulating the surface properties of zein films for improved food packing;

• cranberry pomace extract as an edible separation sheet for fruit leather;

• development of electrospun film using used tea leaf for antimicrobial packaging;

• effect of barrier properties of polymer pouches on shelf life of microwave-assisted thermally sterilized ready-to-eat macaroni and cheese;

• food packaging requirements for in-package cold plasma treatment of mixed vegetables;

• development of humidity-triggered edible packaging containing nanoemulsions of juniper berry, fir needle, and rosemary essential oils; and

• electrospun antimicrobial chlorogenic acid film on food wrap.

Exhibits
Among this year’s Food Expo exhibitors are Barrington Packaging Systems Group (bpsgusa.com) at Booth S3302, Dixie Canner Co. (dixiecanner.com) at Booth S813, International Paper (internationalpaper.com) at Booth S2044, and Skypac Solutions (skypacsolutions.com) at Booth S321, which will all have their packaging solutions on display. Campden BRI (campdenbri.co.uk) at Booth S2040, EMSL Analytical Inc. (emsl.com) at Booth S742, GEA Group (gea.com) at Booth S1626, and Mérieux Nutrisciences (merieuxnutrisciences.com) at Booths S442 and S618 will discuss the package testing options they offer on the Food Expo floor.

Making Connections and Food Packaging Division News
An awards presentation and networking social for the Food Packaging Division will take place on Monday, July 16, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Chicago Hilton. The Food Packaging Division will have a table at the IFT division networking reception on Tuesday, July 17, from 4:45 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. at McCormick Place.

Food Packaging Division student representatives Sravanthi Budaraju, Maria Espinosa, Juhi Patel, Hannah Pepper, and Chandrashekhar Ravindra Sonar continue to bring energy and perspective by working on the division’s newsletter and social events. In addition, the Food Packaging Division is pleased to announce that Curtis Stowe, senior principal packaging engineer, ConAgra, will attend IFT18 this year as a new member of the executive committee.

Claire Koelsch Sand, PhD, Contributing Editor
CEO, Packaging Technology and Research
Adjunct Professor, Michigan State Univ. and California Polytechnic State Univ.
[email protected]