Optical Properties and Color in Packaging Industry

Majority of materials employed for food packaging are non-biodegradable materials which do not meet increasing demands in environmental protection. Thus, several biopolymers have been exploited to develop biodegradable food packaging materials. In this paper, we investigate the types of biopolymer, printing inks and optical properties of papers. Barrier properties depend heavily on the oxygen penetration and moisture content of the packaging material.Enhanced protection of existing materials against weather conditions can be achieved by application of printed coatings. To improve barrier performance of packaging materials, new inks were investigated. Determining optical properties in packaging materials contributes to quality control and saving resources. The optical properties of paper are sometimes more critical for the sale of paper than the physical and mechanical properties. Optical properties of the packaging paper include color, brightness, opacity and gloss. Improving the color and appearance of the
packaging will help to enhance the quality of packaging materials. Performing standard tests of color and brightness enhance the quality of printing and packaging as well as the export of goods.