3. Primary packaging: physical characteristics and use

Containers designed to hold liquid foodstuffs are differentiated according to the material(s) they are made of, their volume, rigidity and the means used to seal them.

Also taken into consideration will be their suitability for significant thermal and/or chemical treatments, for reuse or not, and for recycling or not. In addition, they will be characterized by :

• a sufficiently smooth internal surface suitable for cleaning;

• their degree of biodegradability ;

• their machinability;

• the existence of developable external surface areas capable of accepting a label;

• performance to withstand high internal pressures or, conversely, high vacuum when cooling after hot filling or sterilization...