UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State Extension is offering “Introduction to Food Packaging: Materials, Manufacturing and Innovation,” a self-paced online course, aimed at teaching participants to recognize the key elements and the impact of food packaging in the modern world.

The course is designed for food industry professionals interested in a better understanding of food packaging; professionals in one type of food packaging expanding their focus into other types; beginners entering the fields of food processing or food packaging; and anyone interested in a better understanding of food packaging.

Types of food packaging include paper, metal, plastic, glass, pouches and other flexible packaging. Participants will examine the advantages and disadvantages of each type, manufacturing processes, and cost and marketing considerations for the selection of food packaging.

Participants will learn how consumer preferences and other factors impact the package development process; recognize the importance of preventing package damage; and explain the historical evolution of food packaging.

The course will address issues such as disposal and recycling, especially in plastic packaging, and discuss sustainability efforts for all types of packaging. The course will introduce innovative materials and discuss important trends impacting the future of food packaging, organizers noted.

This course has nine sections and includes readings, videos and knowledge-check questions. A short quiz follows each section. Participants will need to achieve a score of 80% or higher on the quizzes to pass this course and receive a certificate of completion.

Two continuing education units are available from Penn State’s Food Science Certificate Program.

The course, priced at $419, will take about 11 hours to complete. Participants will gain 365 days of access.

More information is available on the Penn State Extension website at https://extension.psu.edu/introduction-to-food-packaging-materials-manufacturing-and-innovation or by calling 1-877-345-0691.

–Penn State Extension

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