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Review on metal packaging: materials, forms, food applications, safety and recyclability

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Abstract

Metal based packaging materials provide excellent barrier properties and hence, being used widely in food packaging applications. They are used in different package forms and also as closures such as for glass bottles and composite cans. Major health and product safety concerns of metal packaging comprise migration of bisphenol A, lead, cadmium, mercury, aluminium, iron, nickel, bulging of cans, tin dissolution, blackening and corrosion. Metals are not inert to food products, hence coated with protective lacquers to prevent metal–food interaction and migration of metal components. Metal packaging materials have lower global warming potential and higher recyclability due to their magnetic properties which helps in easier segregation. An attempt has been made in this article to review the metal packaging materials used in food industry and Indian Standard specifications, their safety and recyclability aspects.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Food Technology Laboratory, Dairy Technology Division, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, 132001, India

    Gaurav Kr. Deshwal

  2. Food Packaging Laboratory, Dairy Technology Division, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, 132001, India

    Narender Raju Panjagari

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  1. Gaurav Kr. Deshwal
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  2. Narender Raju Panjagari
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Correspondence to Narender Raju Panjagari.

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Deshwal, G., Panjagari, N. Review on metal packaging: materials, forms, food applications, safety and recyclability. J Food Sci Technol 57, 2377–2392 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13197-019-04172-z

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