Food packaging plays an essential role in preserving food throughout the distribution chain. Without packaging, food processing can be compromised because it is contaminated by direct contact with physical, chemical and biological contaminants. In recent years, the development of new food packaging (modified atmosphere and active packaging) has not only increased the shelf life of food, but also its safety and quality - thus bringing convenience to consumers. The concept of shelf life is directly related to and linked to food packaging - the length of time food, drink, medicine, chemicals and many other perishable items are given away before being considered unsuitable for sale, for use or consumption. Open Access raises practical and political questions for academics, publishers, funders and policymakers, including the return on investment when paying the cost of processing an article to be published in an open article , or if investments in institutional repositories should be made and if self-archiving should be made mandatory, as envisaged by some donors.