{"id":5541,"date":"2025-10-21T16:00:42","date_gmt":"2025-10-21T09:00:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hungduplastics.com\/?p=5541"},"modified":"2025-10-21T16:00:43","modified_gmt":"2025-10-21T09:00:43","slug":"plastic-packaging-impacts-solutions-for-the-seafood-industry","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hungduplastics.com\/en\/plastic-packaging-impacts-solutions-for-the-seafood-industry\/","title":{"rendered":"Plastic Packaging \u2013 Impacts & Solutions for the Seafood Industry"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Vietnamese seafood sector is one of the pillars of the country\u2019s export economy, reaching a turnover of over USD 9 billion in 2023 (VASEP, 2024). However, due to the high water content, perishability, and environmental sensitivity of seafood products, both fresh and frozen seafood require packaging not only for containment but also for preservation, extended shelf life, food safety, and maintaining sensory quality.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Among the available options, molded PET and PP plastic packaging has emerged as an effective solution<\/strong>, while EPS\/foam is gradually being phased out. This shift is driven not only by technical requirements but also by green consumer trends, international regulations, and sustainability objectives.<\/p>\n

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the impact of plastic packaging on seafood preservation\u2014from technical aspects, logistics, and food safety, to market trends in 2025\u2014offering clear insights for Vietnamese businesses developing packaging strategies.<\/p>\n

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Illustrative Image<\/p>\n

Products | HUNG DU CO., LTD<\/a><\/p>\n

1. The Role of Packaging in Seafood Preservation<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The seafood industry has unique characteristics compared to many other food sectors: fresh and frozen products contain high water content, making them highly susceptible to spoilage due to microorganisms and oxidation. With Vietnam\u2019s seafood exports exceeding USD 9 billion in 2023 (VASEP, 2024), packaging has become a key factor<\/strong> in maintaining quality, reducing losses, and adding value along the supply chain.<\/p>\n

1.1. Preventing Microbial Spoilage<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Seafood provides an ideal environment for bacterial growth, especially when stored at 0\u20134\u00b0C. Plastic packaging can form a physical and gas barrier<\/strong> that reduces microbial infiltration from the external environment. When combined with Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) technology, packaging further helps reduce oxygen concentration, slow lipid oxidation, and limit aerobic bacterial growth.<\/p>\n

1.2. Maintaining Freshness and Appearance<\/strong><\/h3>\n

One of the most direct factors influencing customer purchase decisions is the appearance of the product<\/strong>. Transparent plastic packaging, particularly anti-fog PET\/PP, allows customers to clearly observe the color, texture, and freshness of fish and shrimp without obstruction from condensation. This builds trust and enhances the shopping experience.<\/p>\n

1.3. Extending Shelf Life<\/strong><\/h3>\n

According to FAO (2021), using plastic packaging in combination with MAP can extend the shelf life of fish fillets by 5\u20137 days<\/strong> compared to traditional packaging (FAO Report). This not only reduces food waste but also increases flexibility in the logistics chain, particularly for long-distance exports to the EU or USA.<\/p>\n

1.4. Reducing Losses in Logistics<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Exported seafood is often transported in refrigerated containers for extended periods (2\u20136 weeks). Molded PET\/PP packaging helps products be stacked neatly<\/strong>, reducing collisions, breakage, and leakage. This lowers spoilage rates and saves costs for businesses.<\/p>\n

1.5. Meeting International Safety Standards<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Major import markets such as the EU, USA, and Japan require food-contact packaging to comply with FDA, HACCP, ISO 22000, and EU 10\/2011<\/strong> standards. PET and PP packaging easily meets these requirements due to their safety characteristics and comprehensive technical documentation. Using certified plastic trays not only facilitates export but also enhances the reputation of Vietnamese businesses.<\/p>\n

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Image Source: <\/i>Food Industry News for Today\u2019s Leaders \u2013 Food Industry Executive<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

S\u1ea3n Ph\u1ea9m | C\u00d4NG TY TNHH H\u01afNG D\u1ee4<\/a><\/p>\n

Read more: FAO Yearbook of Fishery and Aquaculture Statistics | Coordinating Working Party on Fishery Statistics (CWP) | Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations<\/a><\/p>\n

2. Comparison of PET, PP, and EPS in Seafood Preservation<\/strong><\/h2>\n

In the seafood industry, choosing the right packaging material directly affects product quality and the ability to penetrate export markets. Currently, the three most common plastics are PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate), PP (Polypropylene), and EPS (Expanded Polystyrene)<\/strong>. Each type has its own advantages and limitations.<\/p>\n

2.1. PET \u2013 Optimal for Display and Premium Exports<\/strong><\/h3>\n

PET offers near-glass transparency, allowing consumers to clearly see the color and structure of salmon, sashimi, or lobster. This is a critical factor in high-end supermarkets and retail chains in Japan and South Korea, where purchase decisions are made within seconds of visual inspection.<\/p>\n

Other advantages of PET include high mechanical strength<\/strong>, making it less prone to cracking during long-distance transport. Additionally, PET has a global recycling infrastructure, making it easier to meet the \u201cgreen\u201d requirements of the EU and USA. However, PET has low heat resistance<\/strong>, making it unsuitable for products that require heating.<\/p>\n

2.2. PP \u2013 Flexible for Freezing and Heating<\/strong><\/h3>\n

PP stands out for its ability to withstand temperatures up to 120\u00b0C<\/strong>, allowing direct microwave heating while remaining non-brittle under freezing conditions. This makes it an optimal choice for fish fillet trays, frozen shrimp, and processed seafood products<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Another advantage of PP is compatibility with topseal and skin pack technologies<\/strong>, providing airtight packaging and enabling MAP to extend shelf life. In terms of cost, PP is cheaper than PET, suitable for large-scale production in Vietnam and other Asian markets.<\/p>\n

2.3. EPS \u2013 Cheap but Outdated and Risky<\/strong><\/h3>\n

EPS was once popular due to its low cost, light weight, and good insulation<\/strong>, commonly used for inexpensive fish or shrimp trays in traditional markets. However, EPS has several significant limitations:<\/p>\n