This Brief defines reliable correlations between the food packaging
design and its chemical features in terms of an 'integrated food
product' (the synergistic union composed of the edible content and its
container). A good design, as described in this Brief, implies the best
choices from a series of possibilities, taking into account economical
and commercial influences or limitations in the production and
processing chain and the chemical interactions that can arise between
the food containers and the contained edible material. This Brief
highlights how the different requirements can be combined, while
avoiding dangerous food risks originating from the chemical interaction
between the container and the product. Different designs are critically
analysed with relation to the effect on contained foods. The influences
and resulting consequences of different possible food packaging designs
are highlighted and discussed in selected case studies for some
every-day products (like potato chips).