Packaging technology for home meal replacement: Innovations and future prospective

The global demand for home meal replacement (HMR) products has been increasing because of changing consumer behavior toward convenience foods. Although the quality of food products is the most important factor in the decision to purchase, packaging also has a decisive influence on customer choice. Therefore, the importance of packaging technology in the HMR industry has increased significantly. Depending on the packed food requirements, appropriate packaging technology can provide significant benefits to both producers and consumers. Active packaging technology, such as modified atmosphere and antimicrobial packaging, has received considerable attention because of its potential to prolong the product shelf-life, while intelligent packaging technology such as colorimetric indicators and radio-frequency identification labels can monitor the real-time condition of the packed food and communicate with consumers. Packaging technology keeps evolving in response to the growing challenges from industry and society. This review aims to provide information about innovative and commercialized packaging technologies applied to HMR products. Recognized packaging technologies have been discussed, including easy-peel adhesive, microwave susceptor, and intelligent packaging. In addition, the influence of external factors, such as modern consumer behavior, recent global issues such as circular economy and pandemics, and emerging technology on packaging trends, are evaluated and discussed for future development.