Food Packaging Technology: Concepts and Applications provides an in-depth overview of the scientific, technological, and regulatory aspects of modern food packaging. With the global food sector transitioning toward safety, sustainability, and convenience, packaging has become an essential component of the entire food supply chain rather than just a means of containment. This book explains how packaging protects food from physical, chemical, and microbiological hazards, preserves nutritional quality, enhances shelf life, and supports efficient distribution.

The text integrates global and Indian perspectives, highlighting industry trends, sustainability challenges, regulatory frameworks, and emerging technologies such as Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP), active and intelligent packaging, biodegradable materials, and smart digital systems. Each chapter offers clear explanations, practical insights, and real-world examples suitable for students, researchers, and professionals in food science, food technology, nutrition, packaging engineering, and supply chain management. By combining scientific depth with practical relevance, the book serves as a comprehensive guide for understanding food packaging innovations and their growing significance in today’s food industry.

Dr. Kshirod Kumar dash, Ph.D. is working as Professor in the Department of Food Processing Technology, Ghani Khan Choudhury Institute of Engineering & Technology (GKCIET), Malda, West Bengal, India. Previously, he worked as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Food Engineering and Technology, Tezpur University, Tezpur, Assam. Dr. Dash completed his B.Tech in Agricultural Engineering from College of Agricultural Engineering & Technology, OUAT, Bhubaneswar; M.Tech. in Dairy and Food Engineering from IIT Kharagpur; and Ph.D. in Food Process Engineering from IIT Kharagpur. Dr. Dash has obtained his Post-Doc from Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA. He has guided several postgraduate and doctoral students and published more than 50 publications in peer-reviewed international journals and book chapters in edited volumes. He is a life member of different professional bodies in India and a member of IFT, USA. The research interests of Dr. Dash include Food Process Engineering, Unit Operations in Food Processing, Fluid Mechanics, Heat and mass transfer in food processing. Other aspects of his career can be found on the site https://www.gkciet.ac.in/faculty/13

Chapter 1: Introduction to Food Packaging
    Importance of Food Packaging
    Definition & Significance
    Global & Indian Packaging Scenario
    Key Trends & Challenges
    Role of Packaging in the Modern Supply Chain
    MCQs

Chapter 2: The Need for Packaging
    Protection, Preservation & Distribution
    Shelf-life Extension & Waste Reduction
    Portion-Control, Resealable Packaging
    Storage & Transportation Requirements
    Branding, Convenience & Compliance
    Environmental Issues & Plastic Consumption
    Sustainable Packaging Alternatives
    MCQs

Chapter 3: Packaging Requirements and Functions
    Basic Requirements: Strength & Durability
    Barrier Properties: Oxygen, Moisture, Light
    Chemical, Biological & Physical Protection
    Convenience Features & Product Fit
    Functional Design Requirements
    Communication & Labeling Functions
    Sustainability & Ethical Packaging

Chapter 4: Packaging Technology & Systems
    MAP, CAP & Vacuum Packaging
    Aseptic Packaging
    Active & Intelligent Packaging
    RFID, QR Codes & Smart Sensors
    Packaging Machinery & Automation

Chapter 5: Packaging Regulations, Standards & Safety
    FSSAI Standards for Food Packaging
    FDA, EFSA, BIS Guidelines
    Migration Testing
    Regulatory Compliance
    Labelling Norms & Traceability

Chapter 6: Environmental Concerns, Waste Management & Sustainability
    Plastic Waste Issues
    Recycling, Composting & Circular Packaging
    Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
    Global Initiatives & Innovations

Chapter 7: Future Trends in Food Packaging
    Nanotechnology Applications
    Biopolymers & Edible Films
    Smart, Interactive & Digital Packaging
    Consumer-driven Innovations