Packaging innovations for effective dairy supply chain management - A review

Abstract

Food packaging is an external means of preservation during storage, transportation and distribution. Hence, it forms an integral part of the product manufacturing process as well as supply chain management system. Supply and distribution of high quality milk and milk products is important not only for marketing but also for nutritional security of consumers. With growing awareness, towards health and nutrition, appropriate packaging has become utmost important. Recently, innovative packaging concepts have been introduced to supply fresh and healthy dairy and food products for retail marketing. Innovative systems like modified atmosphere, active, intelligent packaging, etc. and their role in improving dairy product supply chain have been presented in this article. Among them active and intelligent packaging systems can contribute significantly for maintaining dairy supply chain and providing real-time information regarding the product quality.