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).
