94 Handbook of herbs and spices
∑ pouring qualities
∑ space saving of consumer’s premises
∑ protection from light
∑ transparency
∑ tamper-proof construction
∑ physical characteristics of outside surface including appearance
∑ ease of disposal
∑ special features relating to performance for consumer.
5.7 Types of packaging material
The various materials suitable for packaging of foods include paper products,
polyethylene flexible films, aluminium foils, glass, tin, hessian and timber. The selection
of packaging material intrinsically will depend on the nature of the product and other
considerations.
5.7.1 Paper and cardboard cartons
These are the least expensive unit packages for whole spices. They have good advertising
potential and can be folded into any shape. Wax coating on the outside improves
attractiveness as well as resistance to water. Polyethylene coating inside gives extra
protection as well as sealability. Paper and cardboard are unsuitable for ground
spices, owing to their high permeability to flavour components and gases. This
disadvantage can be overcome by an inner pouch of polyethylene.
5.7.2 Aluminium foil
This offers excellent potential for packaging ground spices. It is not transparent and
is ideal for spices that need protection from light. Its resistance to gas transmission
is essential to protect the delicate flavour of many spices. It is subject to puncture, but
this can be overcome by laminating the outside with paper. Heat sealability can be
accomplished by coating the inside with a heat sealable film such as polyethylene.
Aluminium is also used as the barrier material in laminated films to metallize flexible
films and to make collapsible tubes for viscous products.
5.7.3 Glass
Although glass can be made into a variety of shapes, particularly for marketing high-
value products such as liquors and spirits, simple cylindrical shapes are stronger and
more durable. Glass surfaces may be treated with titanium, aluminium or zirconium
compounds to increase their strength and enable lighter containers to be used. Glass
can be made in a variety of colours including green, amber and blue.
5.7.4 Flexible films
Since a single film does not fulfil all the functional requirements, a combination of
films can be used to obtain the desired effect. This can be achieved by lamination,
coating or co-extrusion.