Packaging materials for foodstuffs or consumer usage must not alter the fl avor or odor of the substance being packaged. Examples of packaging materials include the paper used to wrap cigarettes, the paper cartons used in orange juice or milk and the Polyethylene (PE) often used for caps to seal soft drink bottles. Sometimes, due to differences in the raw materials or changes in the production processes, chemical inconsistencies can be found in these packaging materials.
For example, a common issue with packaging materials is encountered when they emit off-odors. Traditionally acceptance of batches is often based on sensory panels. However this is very subjective and time consuming. Ideally an objective and fast screening system should be located directly at the production floor. This is a typical application for chemical sensors.
