Materialism: A Materials Science Podcast Episode 108: The History of Food Packaging
Jul 30, 2025
Uncover the fascinating history of food packaging, starting from ancient times to modern innovations. Discover how military logistics influenced packaging evolution and how Napoleon's demand for better preservation sparked change. Dive into the tale of Nicolas Appert, whose groundbreaking canning methods led to financial ruin amid fierce competition. Explore the shift from labor-intensive techniques to convenient pop-top cans and the complexities of multilayer packaging, all while examining the critical balance between innovation and sustainability.
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Roles of Food Packaging
- Food packaging must contain specific amounts and protect from contamination while preserving freshness.
- It must be lightweight for transportation and serve as a means to convey product information to consumers.
Napoleon's Food Preservation Prize
- Napoleon offered a 12,000 franc prize to invent a food preservation method during the French Revolution.
- Nicolas Appert developed a heat-sealed glass bottle method but died in poverty as he couldn't patent the technique.
Patent Backstabbing in Food Canning
- Peter Durand patented food preservation in metal cans in England after meeting Philippe Girard in France.
- Durand excluded Girard and patented the idea in the UK, exploiting France's lack of metallurgical advancements.
