Did You Know Packaging Can Affect Olive Oil Quality?

Obviously, the quality of olive oil is mostly determined by processes such as olive farming and harvesting, as well as the oil production process itself. But it is important to note that the packaging companies select for their olive oil can also have an effect on the level of quality expected from the oil.

A report by the Olive Oil Center at UC-Davis goes into detail about how factors such as moisture, oxygen exposure, trace metals and fatty acids promote oxidation and therefore limit shelf life. Choosing the ideal packaging material and storage methods can help to slow down the degradation of that oil to extend shelf life.

Here are just some of the considerations olive oil companies have to take into account when choosing their olive oil packaging types in Ohio:

• Bottle color: This is perhaps the most important element of olive oil packaging in Ohio as far as enhancing its shelf life. The color of the bottle influences the amount of light that’s able to shine through. Darker colors such as greens, dark blues, blacks or ambers are always going to be preferable to clear glass or plastic, because they will not allow as much light to pass through and affect the quality of the oil. Therefore, if you’re in the store and looking to purchase a bottle of olive oil, make sure that it’s been packaged in a darker-colored bottle.
• Bottle material: Glass is generally going to be a better choice for bottling materials than plastic. However, there are some companies that are starting to use a special kind of coated paperboard, because it is more cost effective and also helps to block light and moisture. In addition, paperboard is lighter during transportation, and there isn’t the same worry of the container breaking and shattering. There are some oils that come in plastic bottles, but as a consumer, you can better place your trust in oils kept in glass or paperboard. Plastic is much too porous to properly protect the oil against light, moisture and heat, and some molecules from the plastic can absorb into the oil to diminish its quality.
• Storage: Companies have to consider how the olive oil will be stored. Even if they do choose dark colors and materials that protect the bottles from the sunlight, it is still important to keep olive oils stored in dark spaces, between 16 and 18 degrees Celsius (or 61 to 64 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Shape: One might think bottle shape is mostly a matter of preference, but there are some practical considerations to keep in mind. Bottle shape can affect storage efficiency and stability, as well as shipping and carton packaging.

For more information about what olive oil companies consider when choosing their olive oil packaging types in Ohio, we encourage you to contact the team at Liquid Manufacturing Solutions, Inc. today with any questions. We care about our olive oil quality and ensure high-quality packaging with every order of our oils, and we’d love to set up a time to speak with you about our services!

Categorized in: Oil Packaging