Stretch film is one of the most widely used packaging materials in the food industry. This thin and transparent film has high flexibility and is used for packaging all kinds of food such as fruits, vegetables, meat and dairy products. In this article, we will examine the role of stretch film in keeping food fresh and we will examine its advantages, disadvantages and how to use it.
1. Food protection
One of the main functions of stretch film is to protect food from external factors such as air, moisture, dust and microorganisms. Due to its adhesive properties, this thin film adheres well to the surface of food and prevents the entry of air and moisture. With this, the stretch film prevents food oxidation and changes in color and taste, and increases the duration of food storage.
2. Reducing moisture loss
Moisture is one of the main factors of food spoilage. Loss of moisture causes drying and reducing the quality of food. By preventing the evaporation of moisture in food, stretch film helps to maintain their natural moisture. This feature is especially important in the packaging of fresh fruits and vegetables, because these products need to maintain high humidity to stay fresh.
3. Preventing microbial contamination
One of the great advantages of stretch film is preventing microbial contamination. Foods are exposed to microorganisms and bacteria in the air, which can quickly spoil and change their quality. By creating a physical barrier, stretch film prevents direct contact of microorganisms with the surface of food and thus increases their useful life.
4. Reducing food waste
Food waste is one of the major problems in the food industry. Using stretch film as food packaging can significantly reduce food waste. By increasing the duration of storage and maintaining the quality of food, the amount of spoiled and unusable food is reduced, and in this way, production and distribution costs are also reduced.
5. Flexibility and ease of use
Another advantage of stretch film is its flexibility and ease of use. This thin and transparent film can be easily molded into any shape and can be used to package different types of food with different shapes and sizes. Also, stretch film can be easily cut and used and does not require special equipment.
6. Preservation of nutritional value
Stretch film helps to preserve their nutritional value by preventing contact of food with air and moisture. Vitamins, minerals and other nutrients in food may decrease or change when exposed to air and light. By using stretch film, these nutrients can be well preserved and provide consumers with food with high nutritional value.
7. Environmental issues
Although stretch film has many advantages in food packaging, its environmental issues should also be considered. Many stretch films are made of plastic materials that are difficult to decompose and can lead to environmental pollution. Therefore, the development and use of biodegradable stretch films can help reduce the environmental impact of these materials.
8. Conclusion
Finally, stretch film plays an important role as an effective solution in packaging and keeping food fresh. This film helps to improve the quality and increase the shelf life of food by protecting food against external factors, maintaining moisture and nutritional value, preventing microbial contamination and reducing food waste. However, paying attention to environmental issues and using biodegradable stretch films can help preserve the environment and reduce its negative effects.
