Nanotechnology is a newly emerging novel food packaging technique, which can increase the shelf life of foods, minimize the spoilage, ensure the food safety, repair the tears in packaging, reduce the problem of food shortage, and finally improve the health of the people. Food packages embedded with nanoparticles can alert the consumer about the safety of product. It can release preservatives to extend shelf life of food in package. Currently, food packaging and monitoring are a major focus of food industry related nanotechnology research. It is hoped that nanotechnology has a great potential in food industries as it may be used to manufacture about 25% of all food packaging in near future. It remains unclear whether nanoparticles used in food packaging may migrate or leach into the food. The potential impact of nanoparticles on consumer’s health should be well studied. Emphasis is given to assess the safety of ingredients in nanoparticles before their use in food products including packaging.

Nanotechonlogy is a newly emerging technique, which involves the characterization, fabrication, and manipulation of structures, devices or materials that have at least one dimension having 1-100 nm in length. This technology deals with nanomaterials and nanosystems commonly smaller than 100 nanometers. Nanomaterials are defined as materials with any external dimension on the nanoscale, and are clustered into three classes, namely nanoparticles, nanofibers and nanoplates. Nanocomposites are mixture of polymers of inorganic and inorganic additives having certain geometrics. Nanotechnology has diverse application areas such as nanoelectronics, packaging, biomedical, textile, sensor for security system, cosmetics, paints, medical and health care, paper manufacture, construction material, lubricants, weapons and explosives, batteries, agrochemicals, veterinary medicine, and water treatment. Presently, over 400 companies in the world are developing nanotechnology for its application in food and food packaging. Nanotechnology application in food industries can be utilized to detect bacteria in packaging, or produce stronger flavor, color quality, and safety for increasing the barrier properties. Precautions are needed to apply nanotechnology in food as very little knowledge is available on its impact on environmental and human health.

Application of Nanotechnology in Food Packaging
Nanotechnology is the science of very small materials that has a big impact in food industry including packaging. A variety of nanomaterials such as silver nanoparticle, titanium nitride nanoparticle, and nano-titanium dioxide, nano-zince oxide, and nanoclay are introduced as functional additives to food packaging. Nanotechnology enabled food packaging can be divided into three main categories.

Improved packaging: Nanoparticles are mixed with polymer chain to improve the gas barrier properties, as well as, temperature, humidity resistance of packaging. The use of nanocomposite in contact with food is approved by United States Food and Drug Adminstration.

Active packaging: The use of nanomaterials is helpful to interact directly with food or environment to allow better protection of the product. Several nanomaterils like nanocopper oxide, nanosilver, nanotitanium dioxide, nanomagnesium oxide and carbon nanotubes can provide antimicrobial properties. Presently, the use of silver nanoparticles as antibacterial agents in food packaging is increasing.

Intelligent/smart packaging: It is designed for sensing biochemical or microbial changes in the food. It can detect specific pathogen developing in the food or specific gases from food spoiling. Some smart packaging has been developed to use as tracing device for food safety. Currently, Nestle, British Airways and MonoPrix Super market are using chemical sensors, which can easily detect color change.

Biodegradable plastics are polymers, which can be divided into three categories according to source .
1. Polymers, which are directly extracted or removed from biomass include polysaccharides, proteins, polypeptides, polynucleotides.
2. Polymers such as biopolyester, polyacetic acid are produced by classical chemical synthesis using renewable biobased monomers or mixed source of biomass and petroleum.
3. Polymers are produced my microbes or genetically modified bacteria. The examples are bacterial cellulose, curdian, xanthan, pullan and polyhydroybutyrate.

Nanotechnology and Food Safety
Food safety is a growing public health concern of global significance. Foodborne microbial diseases account for about 20 million cases annually in the world. The primary objective of food safety is to assure that food will not cause any harm to the consumer when it is prepared and/eaten. It is important that all foods must be protected from physical, chemical, and biological contamination through processing, handling and distribution. Nanotechnology has brought revolution in food industry as it has several application in all areas of food science, from agriculture to food processing to security to packaging to nutrition and neutraceuticals . It extends the shelf life, enhances food safety and reduces packaging waste . It keeps the food fresh and flavor is maintained.

Packaging is enclosing the food material in a container to ensure the delivery of product in best condition to the consumer for final use. Therefore, good packaging plays a vital role in developing the image and brand of company product. Packaging protects the food and allows it to reach the consumer in hygienic and safe condition. The use of protective coatings and suitable packaging by food industry can certainly increase the shelf life of food products. Intelligent food packaging incorporating nanosensors can provide information on the state of the food inside. It is recommended that nanopackaging should be designed in such a way to release antimicrobials, antioxidants, flavors, enzymes and nutraceuticals to extend the shelf life of the food products. There is need to undertake further toxicological and migration studies in order to ensure safe development of nanotechnologies in the food packaging industry.

Toppan Printing, a global leader in communication, security, packaging, décor materials, and electronics solutions ha

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Some of the important components of product mix are as follows:

The product mix refers to important decisions related to the product such as quality of product, design of product, packing of product, etc. Another important thing included in product mix is product assortment.

It refers to number of products and items a particular producer offers to the market. For example, the Hindustan Lever is dealing with soaps, detergents, tea, toothpaste, etc. When a firm starts its marketing operations it starts with one product but later on it expands and diversifies its activities by introducing more varieties of product or more lines of products for example, Nirma made its entry with the detergent powder but slowly it got entered into other lines of products such as salt, toilet soap, toothpaste, etc.

1. Branding:

A brand is the identification of a product. It can be in the form of a name, symbol, or design etc. The branding is not only done to identify the seller or producer but also to make your product superior than competitor’s product.

Branding is much more than an identification mark. It is a seller’s promise to deliver quality and satisfaction of buyer’s expectations. With brand we can easily identify which all products belong to a particular company. When firms develop good reputations about quality then brand helps them enjoy greater control over the customers and develop brand loyalty.

Various terms related to brand are:

1. Brand:

A brand is the identification of a product it can be in the form of name, symbol or design etc. For example, Surf, Dettol, Nike, etc. even various symbols such as etc. are also the brands.

2. Brand Name:

The part of brand which can be spoken is called brand name. In other words we can say it is the verbal part of a brand. For example, Dettol, Surf.

3. Brand Mark:

The part of brand which cannot be spoken but can be recognized is known as brand mark. For example, Maharaja sign of Air India, Pepsi sign of red and blue ball, Nike sign of arrow, Mercedes sign of star, etc.

4. Trade Mark:

A part of brand which is given legal protection is called trade mark. No the firm can use the name or sign for which a company get legal protection.

Qualities Features of a Good Brand Name:

While selecting a brand name attention must be paid to the following:

(i) Brand name should be short and simple. For example, Lux, Dettol, Surf, etc. As long and complicated names are difficult to recognise and remember.

(ii) Brand names should be easy to pronounce as if it is difficult to pronounce the customer will hesitate to demand for it e.g., product names like Heinz etc. are difficult to pronounce.

(iii) Brand name should be suggestive i.e., it must suggest the utility of the product for example, Hajmola suggests digestive property, Ujala suggests brightness, Hair and Care suggests care of hairs, etc.

(iv) The brand name should be unique and distinctive. The brand name should be very different and should not lose its identity for example, Ariel, Tide, etc.

(v) Brand name should be selected after considering its meaning in other languages and cultures for example, the brand name Nova (given to Ambassador Car) means ‘does not go’ in Spanish. Such types of names should be avoided.

Advantages of Brand Name:

1. Helps in Product differentiation:

With branding marketer can differentiate his products from the competitor’s product.

2. Helps in Advertising:

With the brand name advertising become more effective as it not only makes people aware about the features of product but also about brand which can provide these benefits.

3. Differential Pricing:

With established brand name the firm can easily change high price for its product as compared to competitor’s product.

4. Easy Introduction of New Product:

The companies which use their company’s name as brand name then it becomes very easy for such company to popularize the new product it is planning to introduce.

Advantages to Customers:

1. Helps in Identification of Product:

Branding helps the customers to select the products easily as the brand which is giving them satisfaction can be selected easily over the competitor product.

2. Ensures Quality:

Brand name gives quality assurance and customers can buy branded goods with no doubts about qualities of product.

3. Status Symbol:

Use of branded goods adds to status symbol of customers and adds to their confidence level.

2. Packaging:

The companies always supply the products in packaged form for example, Coke comes in bottle, “Fide in bag, biscuits in wrapper, oil in jar, etc.

Packaging is the basic activity of every company. It can be defined as “A set of tasks or activities which are concerned with the designing, production of an appropriate wrapper, container or bag for the product”.

Level Packaging:

There are three levels of Packaging:

1. Primary Package:

It refers the immediate packing of product. It remains with product till it is used for example, tube of paste, match box, etc.

2. Secondary Package:

These are additional packing which give more protection. Generally consumers throw that when they start using the product for example, card board box used to keep tooth paste. People throw box when they start using paste.

3. Transportation Packaging:

These are packaging’s used for storing or transporting the goods. This packing gives protection to goods, for example, corrugated boxes used to shift Ruffle Lays, Kurkure, etc.

Importance of Packaging:

1. Rising Standard of Health and Sanitation:

Packing has become essential because of rising standard of health and sanitation. In a packed good there are less chances of contamination of products. People prefer packed products over loose as there are less chances of adulteration in packed product.

2. Self Service Outlets:

The self services outlets are becoming very popular. In these stores generally products with attractive packing are picked by buyers more quickly.

3. Product Differentiation:

Packing help the customers to differentiate between goods on the basis of quality as with the type of packing customer can guess about the quality of goods.

4. Innovation Opportunities:

Recent developments in packaging have completely changed the marketing. For example new packing in soft drinks, chips, biscuits keep them fresh for a longer period. Even milk can be stored for 4-5 days without refrigeration. Scope of marketing is increasing with new innovations in packaging.

Functions of Packaging:

Packaging is an essential function of companies because of following reasons:

1. Protection:

The fundamental function of packaging is that it protects the product from damage. Appropriate packaging protects the product from sun, rains, moisture, breakage; insects etc. for example, airtight containers and packets are used for chips, biscuits, jams, and cola etc. which need protection from atmospheric contacts.

Products like television or other appliances need to be protected from damage in transit so they are packed in big board cartons etc.

2. Identification:

With the help of packaging the product can be easily identified for example, with the yellow and black packing and alphabet К we can recognise from far off that it is a Kodak product, of red colour and unique shape of coke bottle we can identify it from distances also.

3. Convenience:

The handling of the product becomes more convenient with appropriate packing. It makes it convenient to store and convenient to shift from one place to other for example, new pet bottles of cold drink has made it very convenient for middle men to transport it, supply it and store it.

4. Promotion:

Packaging plays a role of silent salesman because it promotes or enhances the sale of the product. The attractive colorful and innovative packing attracts the customers specially if the product is children’s product. Attractive packing always induces the customers to buy the product.

3. Labelling

Labelling means putting identification marks on the package. Label is the carrier of information. It provides information like—name of the product, name of manufacturer, contents of products, expiry and manufacturing date, general instruction for use, weight, price, etc.

Labels are attached on the product to provide some information to customer. Product labels can be

(a) In simple tag form as in case of local products like rice, pulses, etc.

(b) Elaborate labels—as used by reputed companies. These are very attractive and give complete information about product to customer.

Apart firm details of product some statutory warnings which are essential for some products must be printed on label. For example, on Tobacco, Liquor it is compulsory to mention that its consumption is injurious to health.

Labels perform following functions:

1. Describe the Product and Specify its Contents:

The manufacturer cannot communicate to each and every customer personally so if he wants to communicate and share some information about the product with the customer it is done through labels. The manufacturer prints all the information related to product such as the contents, price, instruction to use etc.

2. Identify the Product:

The label helps the customers to identify the product from the various types available for example; we can easily identify a Cadbury chocolate from the various chocolates kept in the shelf of a shop by the colour of its label.

3. Help in Grading:

With the help of label products can be graded in different categories for example, Brook Bond-Red Label, Brook Bond Yellow Label, Green Label etc.

4. Promote Sale:

Attractive and colourful labels excite customer and induce him to buy the product. Specially in consumer goods attractive labels increase sales volume.

5. Providing Information Required by Law/Legal Requirement:

The label is also used to fulfil the legal requirement as it is legal compulsion to print batch no., Contents, max retail price, weight or volume on all the products. On some products giving statutory warning is also a legal compulsion and these legal requirements are fulfilled through label.

Source : https://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/products/3-most-important-components…

Labelling is the display of label in a product. A label contains information about a product on its container, packaging, or the product itself. It also has warnings in it. For e.g. in some products, it is written that the products contain traces of nuts and shouldn’t be consumed by a person who’s allergic to nuts. The type and extent of information that must be imparted by a label are governed by the relevant safety and shipping laws.

Labeling is also an important part of the brand of the product and the company. It helps the product stand out in the market, and identifies it as a part of a particular brand. This is important in the era of high and intense competition.

Labels serve to capture the attention of shoppers. The use of catchy words may cause strolling customers to stop and evaluate the product. The label is likely to be the first thing new customers see and thus offer their first impression of the product.

Objectives of labelling 

Labels are Descriptive

A label is a carrier of information about the product. The attached label provides customers with information to aid their purchase decision or help improve the experience of using the product. Labels can include:

• Care and use of the product
• Recipes or suggestions
• Ingredients or nutritional information
• Product guarantees
• Manufacturer name and address
• Weight statements
• Sell by date and expiration dates
• Warnings

Symbols Used in Labels

Many types of symbols for package labeling are nationally and internationally standardized. For consumer packaging, symbols exist for product certifications, trademarks, and proof of purchase. Some requirements and symbols exist to communicate aspects of consumer use and safety. For example, the estimated sign notes conformance to EU weights and measures accuracy regulations. Examples of environmental and recycling symbols include the recycling symbol, the resin identification code, and the “green dot.”

Labeling Laws

In some countries, many products, including food and pharmaceuticals, are required by law to contain certain labels such as ingredients, nutritional information, or usage warning information (FDA). For example, a law label is a legally required tag or label on new items describing the fabric and filling regulating the United States mattress, upholstery, and stuffed article industry. The purpose of the law label is to inform the consumer of the hidden contents, or “filling materials” inside bedding & furniture products. Laws requiring these tags were passed in the United States to inform consumers as to whether the stuffed article they were buying contained new or recycled materials. The recycling logo needed to be displayed on the label. The Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA) is a law that applies to labels on many consumer products that states the products identity, the company that manufactures it, and the net quantity of contents.

Importance of Labelling

Labelling is an important part of the marketing of a product. Labelling is essential as it helps to grab the attention of a customer It can be combined with packaging and can be used by marketers to encourage potential buyers to purchase the product. Packaging is also used for convenience and information transmission. Packages and labels communicate how to use, transport, recycle or dispose of the package or product.

Labelling is also used to exaggerate the product. Also, it is used for identification. This kind of labeling helps a viewer to differentiate the product from the rest in the shelves of the market.  A person can find out about the ingredients of a product. This helps to spread awareness among the customers about the item they are consuming and labeling also helps to mention ingredients.

Labeling is another very important factor in a product. It should show the correct information about the product. This is all the more important in products such as pharmaceuticals. Labeling should also contain information relating to whether the product has harmful chemicals, especially if it is a product that is meant for children.

Important functions of labeling:

(i) Describe the Product and Specify its Contents:

A label provides complete information regarding the product. It mainly includes ingredients of the product, its usage, and caution in use, cares to be taken while using it, date of manufacturing, batch number, etc.

(ii) Identification of the Product or Brand:

It is easier to identify a particular product among many with the help of labeling. For example, you as a consumer want to select CINTHOL SOAP. The task of finding the desired soap from a heap of various branded soaps becomes easier with the help of labeling.

(iii) Grading of Product:

When a product has different qualities, labeling helps to find out which pack contains what type of quality. For example, Hindustan Unilever Ltd., manufactures three types of tea and to differentiate the each type of tea, the company uses Green, Red and Yellow coloured labels.

(iv) Help in Promotion of Products:

The fourth function of labeling is to promote sales. Sometimes a consumer gets encouraged to buy a product simply due to attractive label. Nowadays labeling is used as an effective sales promoting tool.

(v) Providing information required by Law:

Another important function performed by labeling is to provide statutory warning required by law. To put ‘smoking is injurious to health’ on the package of cigarette and ‘Chewing Tobacco is Injurious to Health’ on the package of Pan Masala are the examples of statutory warning? Similarly, in case of hazardous or poisonous products, appropriate statutory warning need to be put on the label.