Modified atmosphere packaging course

The Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) has announced that it will be introducing a new half-day training course on modified atmosphere packaging and barrier materials. The first course will be held on Thursday the 24th of November at the Viewpoint Centre, St Kilda, Victoria and the presenter will be Emeritus Professor Harry Lovell OAM, FAIP.

The ability to create a specific atmospheric environment to suit specific products, eg, foods, as well as to provide protection through packaging is not new. However, the increased understanding of the biochemical pathways, coupled with the advances in plastics, has opened new opportunities for product protection and shelf life extension.

The retention of organoleptic characteristics, eg, flavour, colour and texture are important factors in the selection and purchase of food by the consumer. The development of new and sophisticated barrier materials has also resulted in broader applications, as well as supporting new processing techniques.

Arising from the development, has been the extension into active packaging, which has provided the opportunity to ‘manage’ the atmosphere of a pack by absorbing or releasing gaseous components and maintaining quality to extend shelf life. Whilst developments in barrier materials have provided significant benefits through MAP for foods, this has also extended to other major areas, such as cut flowers.

This half-day course will cover MAP and its application to fruit, vegetables, meat and fish, followed by the functional attributes of MAP films. The important role of active packaging (antimicrobials, antioxidants etc) including recent developments and future projections, will be examined.

The important area of nanotechnology and its applications covering film inclusions, eg, nanofibres and nanoclays and their use in MAP, will be also covered. Advances in polymeric films, including sustainability, together with the technical assessment and monitoring of Modified Atmosphere packs, will be outlined. The recent scientific opinion from EFSA on the risk assessment of the application of nanoscience and nanotechnologies in the food and feed chain will be addressed in respect to packaging materials.

The training course is designed for anyone who has an interest or involvement in the use of MAP and barrier materials. The aim is to provide a comprehensive overview of techniques and materials and recent developments. It will include a recent project dealing with whole meals for the catering sector.

To book your place email for a booking form or visit www.aipack.com.au