Reducing global food waste from farm to fork
According to a study authored by Save Food and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, about one third of all food produced for human consumption is thrown away or lost worldwide. That amounts to approximately 1.3 billion tonnes each year. The Save Food 2014 Congress at Interpack will bring together politicians, the food and packaging industry, business, research and civil society to help foster discussion on the causes and prevention of food waste.
The FAO study showed that in industrialized countries the majority of waste occurs early in the food supply chain and again at the consumption stage. In developing regions, food is mostly lost during the early and middle stages of the food supply chain; much less food is wasted at the consumer level.
Common causes of food waste at the retail and consumer level (up to 40% in industrialized countries) are products that reach their “best by date” before consumption and consumers preparing larger portions than what they eat. At Interpack, Amcor will display several ways packaging can help, with solutions that extend shelf life such as Amcor N-Gage, a proprietary range of high barrier, peelable lidding films for cured meats and fresh ready meals which seal directly onto APET trays. Amcor N-Gage provides excellent product protection, while being lighter than current films. As an additional sustainability benefit, it is leading the way to mono-material lids and trays and total pack recycling*. (*Where appropriate recycling streams exist)
Reducing global food waste in the early and middle stages of the food supply chain are packaging solutions that prolong the life of fresh produce. According to FAO, almost half of all fruits and vegetables grown each year are wasted. Applying the delicate science of keeping fresh produce fresh is Amcor P-Plus®, the original and most extensive range of tailored permeability films designed to extend the life of fresh fruits and vegetables. Using advanced micro-perforation technology, Amcor P-Plus® films ensure the required permeability to match each product’s respiration rate. This slows the ageing and ripening processes, preserves freshness and nutritional quality, extends the season, extends storage, transport and shelf life and reduces waste. For example, following extensive trials, Amcor P-Plus® has been able to add three days of extra shelf life to ripe mangoes in retail packs.
These packaging solutions and many more will be featured at Amcor’s Interpack booth from May 7 – 14 at Messe Düsseldorf, Germany (Innovationparc Packaging, Hall FG-South, IPP15).
For more information:
Gerald Rebitzer
Amcor Flexibles
Tel: +41 79 743 1848
Email: Gerald.Rebitzer@amcor.com
www.amcor.com
Cassandra Biehler
Amcor Flexibles
Tel: + 41 44 316 1920
Email: Cassandra.Biehler@amcor.com
www.amcor.com