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Polythene and polyvinyl chloride films seem to be of special value
for protective packaging. Their chemical resistance and water-vapour
resistance are said to be better than that of the cellulose acetate film
so widely used for transparent wrappings and " windows." Production
of many of the flexible plastic films is increasing very rapidly.
Electronics, too, can be employed in all the processes of packaging.
The outside of packages can be automatically inspected for the presence
or absence of labels, and the detection of metallic material in foods
can be readily carried out by an electronic metal detector. If food is
in metal cans, inspection may be carried out by X-ray fluroscopy.
Isotopes are used as monitors to determine whether or not packages
are under-filled or over-filled.
But not even the most scientific automata can detect whether or
not a label complies with the requirements of the Labelling of Food
Order and Merchandise Marks Acts. When the human salesman is
being replaced so largely by the operation of the self-service system in
shops, it is very necessary that manufacturers and packers take all
possible precautions to ensure that labels comply with the aw and in
no sense mislead the purchaser of packed food— in respect of the
nature, substance, quality or quantity of the article in the packet at
the time of its sale by retail. It is essential to avoid unwrapping and
re-wrapping in the retail shop for the purpose of ascertaining whether
weight has been lost while the goods have rested on the shelves. The
food packer, anxious to increase the period of shelf-life of his wares,
will always need to be careful concerning quality and weight.

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