How to determine if food packaging is qualified?

Packaging bags are something everyone is familiar with, as we always have them when we buy something. But do you know if the quality of these packaging bags is up to standard? 1. The appearance must not have any defects that hinder use, such as bubbles, perforations, water marks, burst fibers, poor plasticization, fish eyes, or lumps. The specifications for width, length, and thickness deviations should all be within the specified range. 2. Physical and mechanical properties include tensile strength and elongation at break, which reflect the product's ability to withstand stretching during use. If this aspect is not up to standard, food packaging bags (films) are likely to rupture or get damaged during use. 3. Sanitary performance includes evaporative residues (acetic acid, ethanol, n-hexane), potassium permanganate consumption, heavy metals, and decolorization tests. Evaporative residues indicate the possibility of residues and heavy metals leaching from food packaging bags when they come into contact with liquids like vinegar, alcohol, or oil. These residues and heavy metals can adversely affect human health, and residues can also directly impact the color, aroma, and taste of food. 4. Degradation performance varies based on the type of degradation, which can be photodegradable, biodegradable, or environmentally degradable. Degradation performance reflects the product's ability to be accepted by the environment after being discarded. If the degradation performance is good, the bag (film) will break down, differentiate, and degrade under the combined action of light and microorganisms, ultimately becoming fragments that are accepted by the natural environment. If the degradation performance is poor, it will not be accepted by the environment, leading to "white pollution."

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How should the packaging industry create a new situation? A new situation of "improving quality and efficiency" in packaging.

In the packaging industry, "three qualities" refer to the variety, quality, and brand of packaging products. In 2018, the variety of packaging products will significantly increase, the quality of packaging products will improve, and there should be greater efforts to cultivate packaging product brands.

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How to reduce the air generated during the packaging process

We all know that vacuum packaging has greatly ensured food packaging. Various packaging technologies are constantly emerging in the modern market, and the application of high technology has provided a solid foundation for the improvement of food packaging. Among many packaging technologies, each has its own technical advantages. The gas flushing packaging technology I will discuss below is used in food packaging machines, as introduced by the editor from Guangdong Lepai Intelligent Technology. Gas flushing packaging, as a food packaging technology, has a long history. As early as the 1930s, Europe and the United States began researching the use of CO2 gas to preserve meat products. In the 1950s, research and development led to the replacement of air in canned beef and cheese with N2 and CO2 gases, effectively extending shelf life. In the 1960s, due to the development of various airtight plastic packaging materials, many foods such as meat, fruits, vegetables, cakes, tea, and dairy products successfully adopted gas flushing packaging technology. By the 1970s, gas flushing packaging for fresh meat was widely used in various countries in Europe and America, and since then, gas flushing packaging has flourished worldwide. It can be said that gas flushing packaging technology is very proficient in the use of food packaging machines and is very common in the modern food packaging industry. Gas flushing preservation packaging is also known internationally as MAP or CAP, while domestically it is referred to as gas flushing packaging or gas replacement packaging. It uses packaging materials with gas isolation functions to package food, and according to customer practical needs, a certain proportion of O2 + CO2 + N2, N2 + CO2, or O2 + CO2 mixed gases are injected into the packaging to prevent the quality of food from deteriorating in physical, chemical, and biological aspects or to slow down the rate of quality decline, thereby extending the shelf life of food and enhancing its value. Common applications of gas flushing packaging include: 1. The use of CO2 in food packaging China has successfully researched the use of nanotechnology to efficiently catalyze CO2 to produce biodegradable plastics. Even when the catalyst for producing plastic from CO2 is "destroyed" to the nanoscale, it achieves the polymerization of catalytic molecules with CO2, allowing each gram of catalyst to catalyze about 130 grams of CO2, forming new packaging materials containing 42% CO2. This material has excellent degradability and broad application prospects as an environmentally friendly material. 2. The use of nitrogen in food packaging Nitrogen (N2) is an ideal inert gas with unique functions in food packaging: it does not chemically react with food and is not absorbed by food, which can reduce the oxygen content in the packaging, significantly inhibiting the growth and reproduction of bacteria, molds, and other microorganisms, slowing down food oxidation and spoilage, thus preserving food freshness. Nitrogen-flushed packaged food can also effectively prevent crushing, sticking, or clumping of food, maintaining the geometric shape, dryness, crispness, color, aroma, and flavor of the food. Today, nitrogen-flushed packaging is rapidly replacing traditional vacuum packaging and has been applied to fried potato chips, fries, and other fried foods. It is particularly favored by consumers, especially children and young people, and is expected to be used in more food packaging. 3. The use of composite gases in food packaging Composite gas flushing preservation packaging is commonly referred to as MAP packaging internationally. The gases used in gas flushing preservation packaging typically consist of CO2, N2, O2, and a small amount of special gases. CO2 can inhibit the growth and reproduction of most aerobic spoilage bacteria and molds; O2 inhibits the growth and reproduction of most anaerobic spoilage bacteria; it maintains the color of fresh meat, supports the oxygen respiration and freshness of fresh fruits and vegetables; N2 serves as a filler gas. The composition ratio of composite gases is appropriately selected based on the type of food, storage requirements, and packaging materials to achieve high preservation quality, maintain nutritional components, truly retain original characteristics, and extend the shelf life of preserved food. Composite gas flushing preservation packaging has been widely used both domestically and internationally. With the rapid development of science and technology, product packaging has become an important means to promote sales and enhance competitiveness. Many new technologies, processes, and ideas have been applied to packaging design, packaging processes, packaging equipment, new packaging materials, and new packaging industries. Packaging design has entered the computerized era, and a design method suitable for rapid updates, relying on computers and various information systems, has emerged. Today's designers must possess basic packaging design skills, as well as the ability to think, appreciate, and understand creativity, with computer technology built on these foundational skills. Packaging designers must also understand relevant packaging manufacturing processes, how to select materials, and how to use modern packaging manufacturing equipment, such as pre-press and post-press processing equipment. Not only has packaging design moved towards computerization, but packaging technology in the use of packaging machines has also integrated with computers, which is an important trend in the current packaging machine industry. In the future, more technologies will merge, and the advantages brought by computers will only improve. The forming of packaging includes the forming of metal packaging, plastic packaging, paper packaging, and other composite material packaging. The forming of many different materials has been simplified and made scientific through the use of techniques such as air pressure, impact, wet processing, and vacuum technology.

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Is there a pattern to the innovation in packaging?

When it comes to innovations in food packaging in China, one company that cannot be overlooked is Nongfu Spring. Its products have won the Pentawards multiple times, which is often referred to as the "Oscar of packaging design." Nongfu Spring has even been humorously dubbed a "design company" by netizens. Moreover, the company's performance has been steadily rising, from 5.2 billion in 2010 to 15 billion in 2016. However, not all companies have achieved such results. Some companies have made significant innovations in their products and packaging but have struggled to see similar returns in performance. Is there a "first principle" to packaging design innovation? It seems that few have explored this. Just as Ries sought the first principles of marketing, inspired by "On the Origin of Species," he created the book "The Origin of Brands" to explain the principles behind brand creation. Is there a pattern to packaging innovation as well? Good design is durable. Dieter Rams, a representative of minimalism, said, "Good design is durable." How did our ancestors drink milk? Perhaps our grandparents never drank milk when they were young. It is only the prevalence of Tetra Pak that has allowed us to enjoy the taste of milk so comfortably. The "Tetra Pak" may not be considered art, but it has genuinely changed our lives, providing convenience to billions of people worldwide for over half a century, which aligns with the idea that "good design is durable." When it comes to packaging design, consumers often first associate it with "beauty," but "convenience" and "quality" are equally essential, sometimes even taking precedence over aesthetics. Packaging design can never be divorced from craftsmanship. For brands, the ultimate goal should be to achieve profitability while ensuring longevity. Longevity is significant as it allows for stable income and means controlling costs (which seems to be a constant consideration for all brands today). The ultimate goal is not always easy to achieve. Before we summarize methods, let’s look at which products we consider successful in packaging design. According to the principle of "profitability and longevity," as consumers, there may not be many brands whose packaging design you admire and are willing to repurchase. The illustration design of Changbai Mountain's four seasons tells us that the water comes from Changbai Mountain, and the imagery is filled with a fairy-tale quality that suggests purity. However, the fundamental reason I am willing to keep purchasing this product is that its bottle cap has impressed me. This may be the first innovative bottle cap in domestic drinking bottles, allowing for one-handed opening and closing without worrying about water spilling out when tilted or inverted, greatly facilitating drinking on the go. The first time I saw Evian Fruits & Plants online, I was charmed. The shape and color conveyed a cute and soft image. I wonder how many consumers, like me, have been captivated just by this packaging. Besides the artistic new packaging being fascinating, the brand's long history (over 200 years) and the backing of the Danone Group enhance consumer trust in Evian. Why is it a packaging rather than a product? Because this packaging represents far too many products to count. "Earth Water" itself does not have a unique taste, but what matters is its technological packaging, the diamond-shaped bottle, and its comfortable feel, with "ergonomic design and convenient drinking performance on the go." When I learned about the scientific humanization behind a packaging, drinking the water inside felt more "high-end." I then discovered that many products on the market are using this packaging, including the globally popular coconut water Vita Coco, which also started with Tetra Pak. Currently, over 50% (the actual number may be higher) of coconut water on the market uses Tetra Pak packaging. Hi! Milk If one can only design based on Tetra Pak, it may be a limitation of imagination. Mengniu's Hi! Milk has embarked on a brand journey based on this packaging! I have not personally experienced it, but it was striking at first glance. What do you think? The successful packaging designs above can summarize how packaging design influences individual consumer decisions. Four Elements to Create a Lasting Product If we compare products to the mutual attraction and trust between people, the saying "It starts with looks, falls for talent, and remains loyal to character" is a fitting metaphor. "Looks" attract consumer attention, substance resonates with consumers, and quality creates consumer loyalty. First, the connotation of packaging depends on the brand's connotation. Packaging design is a means and extension of the brand, which means that the connotation of packaging originates from the brand's connotation. No product's packaging design can exist independently of the brand itself. If the brand lacks substance and does not have a "heart-touching story," then the packaging is like a castle in the air; no matter how good the design, it becomes an independent piece of art. Why do we say "Guilin's landscape is the best in the world" and "After visiting the Five Great Mountains, one need not look at others"? It is the literary power that gives products cultural strength, greatly enhancing their value. When products and functions compete on the same level, culture plays a decisive role. Some may argue that a certain product achieved significant sales growth due to innovative packaging, and this may have a stimulating effect. However, for a product to grow steadily and maintain its sales position, it needs to rely on the brand; otherwise, the packaging is merely a one-time marketing event, and after the hype, sales will plummet. Therefore, before optimizing packaging design, one should prioritize shaping the brand's connotation, as packaging can also reinforce that connotation. Whether packaging can play a transformative role remains to be seen. Second, packaging design should have continuity. We see many packaging designs that damage their brand image. When the text bottle became popular, many followed suit, and when fan economy flourished, many brands added images of celebrities or cartoons to their packaging. These brands are like retail investors in the stock market, losing their judgment by chasing trends repeatedly. Brands lose their individuality and even continuously deplete their brand image. Brands with clear positioning will certainly show continuity in their design. The designer of Evian Fruits & Plants, Christophe, founder of BETC Design, shared at FBIF2017: "Evian never involves vitamins or similar things; Evian does not consider whether something can bring energy or the magic of the formula. Evian considers our purity; we created an entire brand system. Even when adding new elements, like the three fruits on the packaging, they still resemble three mountains. The essence Evian pursues has never changed. We designed new product packaging but maintained the fresh and pure tone, using transparent elements to showcase our purity." I once saw a saying in my social circle: "Restraint is also a strategy; your product does not need to cater to everyone's needs." Third, packaging design should reflect the product's quality. Satu Aalto, founder of Dotter Creative Group Oy, shared the Spring Aqua case, stating: "Packaging alone is not enough; the quality of your product is also very important. If you only make the packaging beautiful, but upon opening, you find the product quality is unsatisfactory, this will disappoint consumers." Returning to the product itself, packaging design targets the product. Never expect packaging to solve all problems, even those of your product. However, the material of the packaging is also very important. This is an issue we see in many domestic products; many products have excellent designs that spread through the internet and videos, exciting consumers, but after impulsive purchases, they find the packaging's presentation is lacking. Each failed attempt can damage consumers' impressions of the brand, potentially irreparably. When the differences in "contents" are not significant, the aesthetics of packaging design, the material and feel of the packaging will influence consumers' judgments about product quality. Fourth, continuous innovation that touches consumers on multiple points establishes an emotional connection. Why do you go to see a movie? Perhaps we are less easily moved by advertisements, but no one can resist the waves of sharing in social circles. Very few people become loyal fans of Nongfu Spring due to a single advertisement, packaging, or experience; rather, it is the repeated reinforcement of "innovative" images that creates consumer stickiness. Just like brands in marketing, they never do just one case but continuously launch new ones. Coca-Cola's nickname bottles, lyric bottles, share bottles, etc., all continuously tell us, "I can bring joy," and customers reinforce their impression of Coca-Cola through repeated marketing. Nielsen's Lynn Xu emphasizes that "innovation elements should be added at every stage." Brands might try to continuously optimize and upgrade the same product, bringing more surprises to customers, rather than treating all minor improvements as costs. Consumer stickiness and time will undoubtedly reward "thoughtful" brands with infinite returns.

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What are the advantages of eight-sided sealed plastic packaging bags for food?

With the further development of the market economy, the public is increasingly shifting from practicality to aesthetics when purchasing products. To attract more consumer attention, businesses are putting various efforts into packaging. Among packaging options, eight-side sealed bags are becoming more popular. Nowadays, eight-side sealed bags can be considered the "leader" in the packaging market, as they have won people's favor due to their superior qualities. However, their production and design are more complicated than ordinary packaging bags. So, what advantages do eight-side sealed bags have? First, analyzing the name "eight-side sealed bag," it has eight sealing edges: four at the bottom and two on each side. This design allows the bag to expand on the sides and bottom, which increases its usable space to some extent. Second, eight-side sealed bags can stand steadily on shelves, providing a perfect display effect. Compared to products that lie flat on the shelves, this is more visually appealing. Third, eight-side sealed bags are widely used for nut products. Typically, these bags come with a self-sealing zipper, making it convenient for consumers to seal the bag after opening if they cannot finish the contents at once. This feature allows for repeated use and helps keep the contents from getting damp. As a popular packaging method in recent years, eight-side sealed bags have strong vitality and will see even more demand in the coming years.

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The company's website is newly launched! Thank you for your support and attention!

Dear leaders, partners, and valued users: We are extremely excited to announce that our company website is officially live! This marks a brand new starting point and an important step towards achieving higher goals. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to you for your continued support and attention.

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