Packaging industry recognises the impact of food waste

The World Packaging Organisation (WPO) has invited industry members from across the globe to observe the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste, which is taking place on 29 September.

The event, coordinated by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation, is designed so that public and private sectors can recognise the importance of food waste and then prioritise actions that innovate to reduce and prevent it.

According to the WPO, around a third of all food that is produced ends up wasted, which means that a tremendous amount of water, land, energy, labour and cash are effectively being used for nothing.

Environmentally, this food accounts for 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions — and if food waste was a country it would be the third-largest emitter, right behind the USA and China.

WPO President Professor Pierre Pienaar CPP said: “Packaging can play an integral role in minimising food waste at the start of the value chain so that waste can be prevented in the households.

“Avoiding food waste is a critical packaging issue and one that food producers, manufacturers, brand owners, retailers and consumers need to better understand.”

Vice President Sustainability & Save Food Nerida Kelton said: “Without adequate intuitive packaging design features and fit-for-purpose packaging, food can potentially be wasted all the way through the supply chain to the consumer.

“By modifying packaging designs and ensuring that Save Food Packaging Guidelines are followed, food waste and loss can be minimised and/or prevented.

“The most innovative and intuitive Save Food Packaging uses design features that can contain and protect, preserve, extend shelf life, easily open and reseal, [and] provide consumer convenience and portion control — all the while meeting global sustainable packaging targets.

“Opportunities for packaging design to minimise food waste can include better facilitation or communication around portion control, date labelling, extension of shelf life, protection, resealability and openability, serving size, food safety/freshness information, information on storage options and improved communication on packs.”

As part of its response to food waste, the WPO created the Save Food Packaging Design category at its annual WorldStar Packaging Awards.

“The ‘Packaging that Saves Food Special Award’ is designed to raise the profile of the critical role of packaging to reduce food waste and therefore reduce product’s overall environmental impact,” said Kelton.

“It also recognises companies that are developing innovative and sustainable packaging that minimises food losses and food waste, extends shelf life and improves the supply of food.”

The WPO has given some suggestions for WPO members to practise for the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste, including running educational webinars, engaging with media to discuss the issue, and using hashtags like #FLWDay, #stopfoodwaste and #packagingthatsavesfood on social media.

Read more about the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste on the Food and Agriculture Organisation site.

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