February 07, 2025

Fruit juices on store shelves in supermarket

Top 7 Food Packaging Innovations

In this article, readers will discover the seven packaging innovations—four associated with format and design achievements and three material science discoveries—that have risen to the top in the past half century in terms of positive impact on the food system and consumers worldwide.

Claire Koelsch Sand

Food Technology Magazine

Key Takeaway 1

Identify the key food packaging format, design, and material science innovations of the past 50 years.
Key Takeaway 2

Understand why these food packaging innovations are relevant.
Key Takeaway 3

Learn how these innovations will continue to impact how food packaging prevents food waste and protects food.

In the past 50 years, packaging format, design, and material science innovations have allowed for significant progress in meeting consumer needs, from extending shelf life, preserving food safety and quality, preventing food waste, and providing higher levels of sustainability, all while conveying increased nutrient and tracking information. Seven of these packaging innovations—four associated with format and design achievements and three material science discoveries—have risen to the top in the past half century in terms of positive impact on the food system and consumers worldwide.

Packaging Format and Design

• Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles. When Owens-Illinois (O-I) produced its first …

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Authors

Claire Koelsch Sand Owner and Founder

Claire Koelsch Sand, PhD, contributing editor to Food Technology and an IFT Fellow, is a global packaging leader with more than 35 years of food science and packaging experience. Sand is the owner and founder of Packaging Technology and Research, LLC (claire@packagingtechnologyandresearch.com).