Most of us have been there—standing in the kitchen, holding a carton of milk or a packet of biscuits, squinting at the expiry date and wondering, Is this still safe to eat?
Expiry dates provide a guideline, but they don’t always tell the full story.
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Packaging plays a critical role in preserving freshness, preventing contamination, and extending the life of food.
Understanding how different packaging technologies work can help us make better decisions about food safety, reduce waste, and even save money.
How packaging preserves freshness
Food packaging is far more than a simple container—it is an active tool designed to protect contents from external factors that cause spoilage.
Exposure to oxygen, moisture, light, and bacteria can degrade food quality, altering its taste, texture, and nutritional value. Packaging materials are carefully chosen to counteract these threats.
For example, vacuum-sealed and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) remove or replace oxygen inside a package to slow the growth of bacteria and mould.
This is why vacuum-packed meats and cheeses last significantly longer than their loosely wrapped counterparts. Similarly, high-barrier plastics and foils are used for perishable goods like coffee and crisps, keeping out moisture and preserving flavour.
Innovations in active packaging take preservation a step further. Oxygen absorbers, commonly found in packets of dried foods like jerky or nuts, prevent oxidation, while antimicrobial films actively fight bacterial growth.
Intelligent packaging, incorporating time-temperature indicators and freshness sensors, is another emerging technology that could soon replace traditional expiry dates altogether.
These sensors change colour based on the actual freshness of the food, providing a more accurate gauge than a fixed date printed on the label.
Understanding expiry dates and food waste
Expiry dates can be misleading. Many people discard perfectly good food simply because the date has passed, without considering other signs of spoilage. In reality, different types of food labels mean different things:
- “Use by” dates: Found on perishable items like meat, dairy, and ready-to-eat salads, these indicate food safety. Consuming products past this date can pose health risks.
- “Best before” dates: These refer to quality rather than safety. Foods like pasta, biscuits, and canned goods may lose flavour or texture after this date but remain safe to eat.
- “Sell by” or “display until” dates: Primarily for retailers, these labels help with stock rotation and do not indicate whether food is still good to eat.
A major consequence of misunderstanding these labels is unnecessary food waste.
According to WRAP (the Waste and Resources Action Programme), UK households waste around 4.5 million tonnes of edible food each year, much of it due to confusion over expiry dates.
Packaging solutions such as resealable pouches, vacuum packs, and smart labels that detect spoilage could significantly cut down on waste by helping consumers better assess food freshness.
The future of sustainable food packaging
While packaging is essential for preserving freshness, it also contributes to environmental concerns. Plastic waste is a growing problem, and with single-use plastics under increasing scrutiny, the food industry is exploring sustainable alternatives.
Biodegradable and compostable packaging made from materials like cornstarch, seaweed, and even mushroom fibres is gaining popularity. These materials break down naturally without leaving harmful microplastics behind.
Meanwhile, edible packaging—such as seaweed-based wrappers for snacks—offers a zero-waste solution.
Recyclable packaging is another key focus. Mono-material packaging, made from a single type of plastic rather than mixed layers, is easier to recycle and is being adopted by major food brands.
Refillable and returnable packaging systems are also emerging, allowing consumers to reuse containers instead of discarding them after a single use.
Despite these advancements, balancing sustainability with food preservation remains a challenge. Some eco-friendly materials do not provide the same barrier protection as traditional plastics, which can lead to increased food spoilage.
Researchers are actively working on solutions such as bio-based coatings that extend shelf life while remaining environmentally friendly.
The takeaway
Beyond the expiry date printed on a label, food freshness is determined by multiple factors, including how it is packaged and stored. While innovative packaging solutions are helping extend shelf life and reduce food waste, consumers also play a crucial role.
Learning to interpret food labels correctly and relying on sensory checks—smell, texture, and appearance—can prevent unnecessary waste.
As packaging technology continues to evolve, we may soon see a shift away from rigid expiry dates towards more dynamic indicators of freshness, making food consumption both safer and more sustainable.
