Focus group in conjunction with The National Provisioner will discuss the effects of economic conditions, food safety, sustainability and training in protein-processing industries.

The expectations of sustainability in packaging applications have changed as the economy has soured and limped along.

Facing increased input costs, poultry and other deli processors are seeking sophisticated technologies that increase efficiency and add value for better product margins.

National Provisioner asks Chip Bolton, principal at J.H. Bolton Communications LLC, to detail the latest challenges and trends in the realm of form/fill/seal technology for this month’s Packaging Technology story.

Among the many steps in protein processing, interleaving and stacking of meat product stands among the more tried-and-true processes — a time-tested, relatively straightforward step in the packaging of products from ground protein patties to deli meats and beyond

Consumers are becoming increasingly interested in nutrition and wellness, and they view the grocery store as a key resource for nutrition information.

Modified-atmosphere packaging (MAP) technologies have the ability to provide incentives and opportunities for processors and retailers to positively affect their bottom line. However, product presentation as well as consumer acceptance are the primary factors that affect final decisions on packaging selection.