Journal profile · Agricultural and Biological Sciences-Food Science
Food Packaging and Shelf Life
ISSN 2214-2894 · Elsevier BV · Netherlands
Food Packaging and Shelf Life: CAS Zone 1 · Agricultural & Forestry Sciences (2025 upgraded edition, Top journal); impact factor 10.81; hybrid open access; APC about USD 4,690; review about 121 days (submission to acceptance, publisher); 264 articles in 2025; indexed in SCIE and Scopus.
Scope
Aims, scope and focus
Food Packaging and Shelf Life is published by Elsevier BV and is in Zone 1 of Agricultural & Forestry Sciences in the CAS Journal Ranking (2025 upgraded edition, Top journal). By OpenAlex counts of its recent articles, its largest topics are Nanocomposite Films for Food Packaging, Postharvest Quality and Shelf Life Management and biodegradable polymer synthesis and properties, together about 49.5% of its articles. Its main subfields are Biomaterials. (generated from OpenAlex topic counts and CAS ranking data)
Food packaging plays a critical role in protecting and preserving food throughout the supply chain. Without appropriate packaging, both fresh and processed foods are vulnerable to deterioration caused by physical, chemical, and biological contaminants. Recent advances in novel packaging technologies—such as modified-atmosphere packaging and active packaging—have significantly improved the shelf life, safety, and quality of food products, thereby enhancing consumer convenience.Packaging is closely intertwined with the concept of shelf life, which refers to the period during which a perishable packaged product remains safe to consume while maintaining acceptable sensory attributes such as taste, aroma, texture, and appearance. This relationship extends across fresh foods, processed foods, and nutraceuticals.At the same time, growing environmental concerns associated with packaging materials have intensified global efforts toward sustainable packaging practices. This has driven substantial momentum in the development and adoption of eco-friendly solutions that enhance recyclability, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and minimize ecological impact—without compromising protective performance.Food Packaging and Shelf Life serves the needs of packaging scientists, material scientists, food chemists, and microbiologists working in the fields of food packaging and shelf-life evaluation. The journal primarily publishes original research papers, review articles, and short communications in the following areas:1. Material Development in Food PackagingRecent advancements in materials science continue to drive innovation in food-packaging technologies, with heightened focus on sustainability, food safety, and enhanced functional performance. Research contributions are invited in the following areas:Polymer, glass, metal, and paper-based packaging systems, including novel formulations and performance optimization.Nano-enabled packaging technologies designed to improve barrier performance, mechanical strength.Biodegradable packaging materials, preference given to studies employing extrusion-based film fabrication or at least produced with plate compression method. Films produced with simple casting method will not be considered for review. Active and intelligent packaging systems, including sensors, indicators, and controlled-release components including antimicrobial agents.Migration studies and food–package interaction analyses, with emphasis on comprehensive food-safety evaluations.Physicochemical characterization of emerging packaging materials, including structural, thermal, mechanical, and barrier property analyses.Food-packaging performance testing and sensory evaluation, focusing on consumer perception and product–package compatibility.Recycling technologies, circular-economy strategies, and sustainability assessments related to packaging materials and systems.2. Food Packaging Technologies and ApplicationsModern food packaging technologies are designed to preserve product integrity, ensure safety, and enhance user convenience. Innovations have enabled packaging systems to respond dynamically to food preservation needs, supply chain conditions, and consumer expectations. Advances in the following key areas are covered:Design and engineering of food packaging machineryVacuum, aseptic, and sterile packaging systemsModified atmosphere packaging (MAP) to control internal gas environmentsEnsuring microbial stability during storage, handling, and transportationMaintaining sensory quality, food quality and consumer appeal throughout shelf life3. Shelf Life and Food SafetyShelf life remains a central concern in food packaging, closely linked to product safety, quality, and consumer satisfaction. Understanding and extending shelf life involves evaluating a range of biological, chemical, and physical factors. Advances in the following key areas are covered:Chemical, physical, and microbial determinants of shelf lifeShelf life modeling/Prediction
From the journal's Aims & Scope
Research area (LetPub): Agricultural and Biological Sciences-Food Science
Editor-in-chief Ali Abas WaniPublisher website
Editorial board by country: 6 in mainland China (about 13%); most named Germany 9, Mainland China 6, India 5, United States 3, Italy 3 (45 members with a country) Editorial board ↗Publisher website ·
Main research topics OpenAlex counts of recent articles; shares are approximate
- Nanocomposite Films for Food PackagingMaterials Science31%
- Postharvest Quality and Shelf Life ManagementAgricultural and Biological Sciences9.7%
- biodegradable polymer synthesis and propertiesMaterials Science8.8%
- Meat and Animal Product QualityAgricultural and Biological Sciences5.2%
- Microplastics and Plastic PollutionEnvironmental Science5.2%
- Advanced Cellulose Research StudiesMaterials Science4.9%
- Electrospun Nanofibers in Biomedical ApplicationsMaterials Science4.3%
- Phytochemicals and Antioxidant ActivitiesMedicine3.3%
Rankings & indexing
CAS ranking and database indexing
CAS Journal Ranking
CAS Journal Ranking, upgraded edition (March 2025)Agricultural & Forestry Sciences Zone 1
| Level | Category | Zone |
|---|---|---|
| Major | Agricultural & Forestry Sciences | Zone 1 |
| Minor | Food Science & Technology | Zone 2 |
Top journal: yesReview journal: no
CAS Xinrui Journal Ranking (March 2026)Agricultural & Forestry Sciences Zone 1
| Level | Category | Zone |
|---|---|---|
| Major | Agricultural & Forestry Sciences | Zone 1 |
| Minor | Food Science & Technology | Zone 1 |
Top journal: yesReview journal: not marked
CAS Journal Ranking, previous upgraded edition (December 2023)Agricultural & Forestry Sciences Zone 1
| Level | Category | Zone |
|---|---|---|
| Major | Agricultural & Forestry Sciences | Zone 1 |
| Minor | Food Science & Technology | Zone 2 |
Top journal: yesReview journal: no
Database indexing
SCIEScopusLetPub
International journal early-warning lists: not listed in any editionLetPub
Editions, and major and minor categories, are shown separately and never merged into one zone; check which edition your institution uses before you submit or report.
Metrics
Impact metrics and publication volume
Impact
- Impact factor
- 10.81LetPub ·
- Impact factor (publisher)
- 10.8Publisher website ·
- CiteScore 2026-06
- 19.4LetPub ·
- CiteScore (publisher)
- 19.4Publisher website ·
- SJR 2026-06
- 1.75LetPub ·
- SNIP 2026-06
- 1.68LetPub ·
- h-index
- 20LetPub ·
- h-index
- 116OpenAlex ·
- i10-index
- 1,365OpenAlex ·
- 2-year mean citedness
- 11.91OpenAlex ·
- Self-citation rate
- 5.6%LetPub ·
- Share of gold OA articles
- 22.19%LetPub ·
Volume
- Articles per year
- 252LetPub ·
Articles by year OpenAlex count · 1,885 in total · the current year is incomplete
| Year | Articles | Open access | Citations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 154 | 50 | 217 |
| 2025 | 264 | 66 | 2,633 |
| 2024 | 195 | 54 | 4,448 |
| 2023 | 206 | 69 | 6,563 |
| 2022 | 215 | 44 | 11,160 |
| 2021 | 189 | 40 | 7,890 |
Sources count differently and were observed at different times, so each source's own value is kept; "publisher" marks figures from the journal's website.
Review & acceptance
Review time and acceptance
Publisher-reported review time from the journal's website
121 dayssubmission to acceptance
The publisher's own definition applies; dates from this journal's articles in the last 24 months are not available yet, so the publisher's figure is used.
Figures by source
- Submission to first decision
- 20 daysPublisher website ·
- First decision after review
- 66 daysPublisher website ·
- Submission to acceptance
- 121 daysPublisher website ·
- Acceptance to publication
- 7 daysPublisher website ·
- Peer review
- Single anonymous peer reviewPublisher website
Community reports come from authors' own submissions (confidence 0.5) and are not a promise from the journal; for publisher figures, the journal's own definitions apply.
Fees & open access
APC and open-access policy
Hybrid open accessLetPub
A subscription journal in which authors can pay to publish their article open access.
| Source | APC | Fee waiver | License | Observed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OpenAlex | USD 4,690 / EUR 4,390 / GBP 3,750 / JPY 581,700 | — | — |
A hybrid journal charges the APC only when the author chooses open access; publishing under the subscription model is usually free.
The journal's website is authoritative for fees; sources were observed at different times and each keeps its own value, without averaging.
Submission
Article types and submission policies (journal website)
What to prepare5 items from the author guidelines
- Abstract
- ≤ 250 words
- Keywords
- 1–7
- Reference style
- APA
- Highlights
- Required
- Graphical abstract
- Required
Article types accepted6, with length limits
- research paper1. Research papers - original full-length research papers which have not been published previously, except in a preliminary form, and should not exceed 7,500 wo…main text ≤ 7,500 words
- research papersResearch papers - original full-length research papers which have not been published previously, except in a preliminary form, and should not exceed 7,500 words…Length not stated
- review1. Research papers - original full-length research papers which have not been published previously, except in a preliminary form, and should not exceed 7,500 wo…Length not stated
- review article1. Research papers - original full-length research papers which have not been published previously, except in a preliminary form, and should not exceed 7,500 wo…Length not stated
- review articlesReview articles - will be accepted in areas of topical interest and must demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the relevant literature, with particular e…Length not stated
- short communication1. Research papers - original full-length research papers which have not been published previously, except in a preliminary form, and should not exceed 7,500 wo…main text ≤ 3,000 words
Policy excerpts from the journal's websiteAI use, Authorship, Conflicts of interest, License & copyright, Open access, Peer review, Preprints
- AI use Declaration of generative AI use
Authors must declare the use of generative AI tools in the manuscript preparation process upon submission of the paper.Generative AI and AI-assisted technologies (“AI tools”) have been rapidly adopted in research and scholarly publishing, offering significant benefits while requiring clear standards for responsible and transparent use.Authors preparing a manuscript for this journal may use AI tool…
Source ↗Publisher website ·- Authorship Group authorship
Group authorship refers to the attribution of an article to a defined and named group of authors whose members have contributed to the work. Examples include research consortia, clinical trial groups, collaborative networks, task forces or working groups, expert panels or consensus groups, and participatory research groups. Group authorship must be declared on the title page at submission. When av…
Source ↗Publisher website ·- Conflicts of interest Declaration of competing interests
All authors must disclose any financial and personal relationships with other people or organizations that could inappropriately influence or bias their work. Examples of potential competing interests include:EmploymentConsultanciesStock ownershipHonorariaPaid expert testimonyPatent applications or registrationsGrants or any other fundingAffiliation with the journal as an Editor or Advisory Board …
Source ↗Publisher website ·- License & copyright License options
Authors will be offered open access user license options which will determine how you, and third parties, can reuse your open access article. We advise that you review these options and any funding body license requirements before selecting a license option.
Source ↗Publisher website ·- Open access Open access
We refer you to our open access information page to learn about open access options for this journal.
Source ↗Publisher website ·- Peer review Peer review
Single anonymized review process Model summary
This journal follows a single anonymized review process. Your submission will initially be assessed by our editors. If your submission is deemed suitable, it will typically be sent to be reviewed by a minimum of two reviewers for an independent expert assessment of the scientific quality. The decision as to whether your article is accepted or rejected for publication will be made by our editors.Re…
Source ↗Publisher website ·- Preprints Preprints
Preprint sharingAuthors may share preprints in line with Elsevier's article sharing policy. Sharing preprints, such as on a preprint server, will not count as prior publication.We advise you to read our policy on multiple, redundant or concurrent publication. In support of Open Science, this journal offers its authors a free preprint posting service on SSRN, Elsevier’s preprint and early research …
Source ↗Publisher website ·
Excerpts are quoted from the journal's website; "model summary" lines are written by Workers AI and checked against the text. The journal's website is authoritative.
Profile
Publication details and official links
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Country or region
- Netherlands
- Language
- English
- ISSN
- 2214-2894
- Official links
- Journal homepage ↗LetPub
- Submission system ↗Publisher website
- Special issues ↗Publisher website
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Food Packaging and Shelf Life
What CAS zone is Food Packaging and Shelf Life in?
In the 2025 upgraded edition of the CAS Journal Ranking, Food Packaging and Shelf Life is in Zone 1 of Agricultural & Forestry Sciences, and in Zone 2 of the minor category Food Science & Technology; it is a Top journal. In the 2026 Xinrui edition it is in Zone 1 of Agricultural & Forestry Sciences. Zones from different editions, and from major and minor categories, are not interchangeable.
What is the impact factor of Food Packaging and Shelf Life?
The latest impact factor listed by LetPub is 10.81; CiteScore 19.4, h-index 116.
How long does peer review take at Food Packaging and Shelf Life?
The publisher reports about 121 days (submission to acceptance). Article statistics cover accepted papers only, publisher figures follow the journal's own definitions, and community reports come from authors' own submissions; none is a promise from the journal.
What are the manuscript requirements of Food Packaging and Shelf Life?
According to the journal's author guidelines: Abstract: ≤ 250 words; Keywords: 1–7; Reference style: APA; Highlights: Required; Graphical abstract: Required. A model extracted these from the author guidelines and each was checked against the text; check the latest version on the journal's website before submitting.
Where are the editorial board members of Food Packaging and Shelf Life based?
Of the 45 board members whose country the journal's board page names, 6 (about 13%) are in mainland China; the countries named most often are Germany (9), Mainland China (6) and India (5). Counted from the institutions listed on the board page; for reference only.
Which databases index Food Packaging and Shelf Life?
According to LetPub and DOAJ records, Food Packaging and Shelf Life is indexed in SCIE and Scopus.
Is Food Packaging and Shelf Life open access, and what is the APC?
Food Packaging and Shelf Life is a hybrid journal. For open-access publication: APC about USD 4,690.
Sources and updates
The facts on this page come from LetPub, Publisher website, OpenAlex; every figure is tagged with its source and the date it was observed, and conflicting values are kept per source. LetPub source page: view ↗ (archived 2026-08-26). Last updated: .