What changes can we expect in food packaging labels in the future?
Release date:
2023-01-13 08:34
Author:
Bean bag
Key takeaway: In recent years, as food safety incidents have continued to emerge, public attention to food labeling has steadily increased. Consumer complaints arising from inaccuracies or omissions in label information have become increasingly common, prompting the government to place greater emphasis on food labeling and its regulation. Consequently, a series of relevant laws and policies have been introduced to standardize the labeling of packaged foods. At the same time, food labeling is evolving toward greater diversity.
As consumers’ awareness of food safety continues to rise, their expectations for the amount of information conveyed on food labels have grown. In recent years, with the frequent occurrence of food‑safety incidents, public attention to food labeling has steadily increased. Complaints arising from inaccuracies or omissions in label information have become more common, prompting national authorities to place greater emphasis on food labeling and its regulation, and to introduce a series of relevant laws and policies aimed at standardizing the labeling of packaged foods. At the same time, the evolution of food labeling is moving toward greater diversity.
Standardization, normalization
It is reported that, effective October 19, the mandatory national standard GB 4806.1-2016 “General Safety Requirements for Food Contact Materials” has officially come into force. According to this standard, single‑use packaging products that come into direct contact with food must bear labels indicating either “For Food Contact” or “For Food Packaging.” In addition, such labels are required to include information such as the product’s name, material, manufacturer, address, contact details, date of manufacture, applicable standards, and instructions for use. Furthermore, the label must remain affixed to the product and not be separable from its smallest retail package. For products with specific usage requirements, the label must also specify methods of use, precautions, intended applications, operating conditions, and recommended temperature ranges. The author believes that the implementation of this policy not only further refines regulations governing food contact materials but also provides a clear basis for labeling food products.
In addition, regulations governing the labeling of powdered milk are becoming increasingly stringent. According to reports, the State Administration for Market Regulation has issued the “Technical Guidance Principles for Labeling of Infant Formula Products (Trial),” which sets out strict requirements for product name labeling, label format, prohibited claims, and optional labeling content. For example, it specifies how information on nutrient content and functional claims must be presented. The author has learned that both content claims and functional claims must adhere strictly to the terminology prescribed in the national food safety standards. If a company wishes to make claims beyond those stipulated in the current national food safety standards, such claims may only be used after obtaining approval from the health administrative department under the State Council. Any claims appearing on the label draft must be stated in text on a non‑primary display panel.
Digitalization, intelligentization
As information technology continues to advance, food labels are becoming increasingly digital and intelligent. Consequently, traditional printing can no longer meet the growing demands for personalized and variable-data printing, making the market’s shift toward digital printing ever more pronounced. Some printing companies have embraced fully intelligent packaging‑label production; for example, Hebei Xindong Printing has invested in high‑end equipment such as flexographic presses and anti‑counterfeiting systems, while continuously developing a range of security technologies. These efforts enhance the anti‑counterfeiting features of premium food packaging, seamlessly blending aesthetics with functionality and style with cutting‑edge technology, thereby progressively advancing their strategic goal of exporting high‑quality packaged products overseas.
In fact, the intelligence of food packaging is primarily embodied in its labels, with barcodes and QR codes being common examples of smart‑label applications in everyday life. According to reports, a Finnish company has launched a “smart” bottle of premium Kalvaria gin featuring Thinfilm’s NFC SpeedTap™ label. Each SpeedTap label is uniquely identifiable and virtually impossible to clone; leveraging NFC technology, it can be read using a smartphone or other compatible device, thereby significantly enhancing customer loyalty and brand visibility.
Smart labels not only enable interaction between consumers and products but can also assess food quality. According to reports, the Japanese design studio TO-GENKYO has developed a smart label with a special coating that changes color in response to variations in ammonia concentration, thereby indicating the freshness of food.
Greening and environmental protection
As the principles of energy conservation and environmental protection continue to gain traction, various sectors are responding in kind, and the food‑labeling industry is no exception. The author has learned that the greening and eco‑friendly transformation of labels is primarily reflected in the materials used. For instance, Singapore has introduced a series of environmentally friendly labels. Compared with other materials, these new‑generation labels are more cost‑effective and better aligned with sustainable development. Driven by ongoing advances in science and technology as well as the dual influence of energy‑saving and eco‑conscious thinking, food labels are poised to evolve toward greater greenness and environmental sustainability.
To this end, the author believes that as consumers’ awareness of health and safety continues to grow, they will place greater emphasis on label information. Food processing and food packaging companies should therefore closely monitor emerging trends in food labeling and prioritize its continuous improvement. At the same time, the packaging machinery industry must also keep abreast of developments in the food‑labeling sector and adapt to changing market demands in order to stay on track with evolving industry directions.
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