01 Dec 2021 --- As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to raise health concerns around the globe, hygiene standards in F&B packaging are as important as ever. Meat and fish packaging, for which freshness is always essential, has come under increased scrutiny for its ability to help prevent the spread of pathogens. According to Innova Market Insights, many consumers say they agree (35%) or strongly agree (13%) the protective function of product packaging is more important due to the pandemic.Moreover, 20% of global consumers say they favor the increased use of plastics at this time for hygiene purposes, while 42% see them as an undesirable necessity.These health concerns are joined by environmental pressures, which are increasingly demanding that packaging manufacturers ensure their designs and materials fit into a circular economy. With the close of the recent COP26 summit in Glasgow, UK, awareness of issues like carbon emissions, recyclability and recycled content are prominent in consumer and industry minds.
