Package Those Foods!
Student groups are challenged to create food packages for specific foods. They focus on three components in the design of their food packages; the packages must keep the food clean, protect or aid in the physical and chemical changes that can take place in the food, and present the food appealingly. They design their packaging to meet these requirements.
These soup containers are engineered to be heated in the microwave.Copyright 2007 Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University
An entire industry is devoted to packaging engineering and this industry is expanding as more and more products are created. Packaging engineers focus on the same components as students in this design challenge, which includes research, design, production, marketing and analysis.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Identify three key functions of a typical food package.
- Explain how each food package design works.
- Identify the chemical and physical changes different types of materials prevent or facilitate.
- Explain what a food packaging engineer does.