Kontaktpakend

Kontaktpakend is a Finnish term that translates to "contact packaging" or "contact wrapper" in English. It refers to packaging designed to come into direct contact with food products. This type of packaging is crucial for maintaining the quality, safety, and shelf-life of food.

The materials used for kontaktpakend must be approved for food contact and undergo rigorous testing to ensure they do not transfer harmful substances to the food. Common materials include various plastics, paper, cardboard, and aluminum, often with specific coatings or laminations. The choice of material depends on the type of food, its intended shelf-life, and the required barrier properties, such as protection against moisture, oxygen, or light.

Kontaktpakend plays a vital role in preventing contamination from external sources and can also contribute to extending the freshness of food by controlling its internal environment. For example, modified atmosphere packaging, a type of kontaktpakend, alters the gas composition within the package to slow down spoilage processes. Regulations regarding food contact materials, including kontaktpakend, are in place in most countries to protect consumer health.