Modern Food Packaging Course: Regulations, Trends & Tech | IIT Kharagpur
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 2001 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Elective |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Agricultural and Food Engineering, Food Process Engineering |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate/Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 19 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Modern Food Packaging Technologies: A Comprehensive 12-Week Course by IIT Kharagpur
In today's fast-paced world, food packaging has evolved far beyond a simple container. It is a critical intersection of science, technology, art, and marketing, essential for ensuring food safety, extending shelf life, and meeting consumer demands. To address the growing need for expertise in this dynamic field, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur offers a detailed online course titled "Modern Food Packaging Technologies: Regulatory Aspects and Global Trends."
Led by the esteemed Prof. Prem Prakash Srivastav, this 12-week program is designed to transform students and professionals into packaging experts, equipped to tackle contemporary challenges and leverage innovations.
About the Course Instructor: Prof. Prem Prakash Srivastav
Prof. Srivastav brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this course. A professor in the Department of Agricultural and Food Engineering at IIT Kharagpur, his distinguished career includes:
- Extensive Research: Over 123 publications, 7 edited books, 58 book chapters, and 4 patents in food science and technology.
- Proven Leadership: Principal Investigator for major research projects worth crores of rupees and guidance for numerous PhD, Master's, and Undergraduate students.
- Industry Recognition: Life member of multiple professional bodies, including AFST(I) and a member of the US-based Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) and ASABE.
- Focused Expertise: His research interests include functional foods, nutraceutical extraction, food processing machinery, and, centrally, advanced food packaging.
Course Overview and Objectives
This undergraduate/postgraduate level course moves beyond basic concepts to provide a holistic understanding of the packaging ecosystem. Its core objectives are to:
- Describe the functional role, safety issues, and labeling requirements of food packaging.
- Impart knowledge on the quality parameters of various food-contact packaging materials.
- Provide a detailed analysis of global trends and sustainable disposal methods in packaging.
- Create proficient packaging professionals who can manage the journey from design conception to manufacturing, using packaging as a key business differentiator.
Who Should Enroll?
This course is meticulously designed for:
- B.Tech, M.Tech, and PhD students in Food Science, Food Technology, Agricultural Engineering, and related fields.
- Professionals and industrial persons from the Food and Packaging industries seeking to upgrade their knowledge.
- Prerequisite: A diploma or degree in basic science, food science, food technology, or agricultural engineering.
Detailed 12-Week Course Layout
The curriculum is structured to provide a step-by-step mastery of food packaging:
| Week | Topic |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Introduction to Food Packaging |
| Week 2 | Types of Packaging Materials (Glass and Paper) |
| Week 3 | Types of Packaging Materials (Plastic: Part 1) |
| Week 4 | Types of Packaging Materials (Plastic: Part 2) |
| Week 5 | Types of Packaging Materials (Metals) |
| Week 6 | Testing and Regulatory Aspects of Food Packaging |
| Week 7 | Special Packaging Methods (e.g., MAP, Active, Intelligent Packaging) |
| Week 8 | Packaging of Food Products 1 (e.g., Dairy, Beverages) |
| Week 9 | Packaging of Food Products 2 (e.g., Snacks, Ready-to-Eat) |
| Week 10 | Global Trends in Food Packaging (Sustainability, Smart Packaging) |
| Week 11 | Packaging Process and Equipment |
| Week 12 | Packaging Laws and Regulations (FSSAI, FDA, EU Directives) |
Key Learning Outcomes and Industry Relevance
Upon completion, participants will gain:
- Material Science Expertise: In-depth knowledge of glass, paper, plastic, and metal packaging, including their properties and applications.
- Regulatory Proficiency: A strong grasp of the testing protocols and complex global regulations governing food contact materials.
- Trend Awareness: Insights into cutting-edge trends like active, intelligent, biodegradable, and nano-enabled packaging.
- Practical Application Skills: Understanding of specific packaging requirements for diverse food product categories and the machinery involved.
Industry Support: The course content is highly relevant and supported by needs from both Food Processing Industries and Packaging Manufacturing Industries, ensuring the skills learned are directly applicable in the job market.
Essential Reading Materials
The course is complemented by foundational textbooks that are benchmarks in the field:
- Robertson, G.L. (2013). Food Packaging: Principles and Practice (3rd ed.). CRC Press.
- Paine, F.A. & Paine, H.Y. (1992). A Handbook of Food Packaging. Blackie Academic & Professional.
Conclusion: Why This Course is Essential
Packaging is no longer a mere afterthought but a strategic tool for brand differentiation, sustainability, and consumer safety. This course by IIT Kharagpur, under the guidance of Prof. Srivastav, offers a rare opportunity to gain a comprehensive, industry-aligned education in modern food packaging. Whether you are a student aiming to build a career or a professional seeking to innovate, this program provides the knowledge framework to understand the present and shape the future of food packaging.
Embrace the opportunity to become a packaging professional who can speak the language of innovation, regulation, and sustainability. Enroll to be at the forefront of an industry that sits at the heart of global food security and technological advancement.
Enroll Now →