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The AIP will host a free session at next week’s Australian Waste Recycling Expo (AWRE) on how packaging can reduce food waste.

The session, ‘The Role of Packaging in Minimising Food Waste’, will run from 2:30pm to 3:15pm on October 30 at the AWRE’s new Food Waste Stage. Nerida Kelton, executive director of the AIP, says industry needs to talk more openly about the connection between packaging design and food waste.

“Whilst the primary functions of packaging are to contain and protect the content, as well as providing information about the product, the role of packaging in reducing food waste needs to be better understood by food producers, manufacturers, brand owners, retailers and consumers.

“From field to fork there are several possibilities for food loss and waste to occur. It has been approximated that up to 30% of the edible food produced, does not reach the fork. Packaging’s role in reducing food waste is the next big challenge for Packaging Technologists, Designers and Engineers,” she said.

Speakers include Kelton; Sam Oakden, FIAL; Mark Barthel, Fight Food Waste CRC; and Alan Adams MAIP, Sealed Air Corporation. The panel will discuss the National Food Waste Strategy, save food Packaging guidelines, and best practice for save food packaging design.

“The Food Waste Stage will facilitate discussion and a focus on the national issue that is food waste. From sustainable package solutions, updates on the national food waste strategy to presentations from true food waste warriors – AWRE 2019 will be shining the spotlight on food waste to drive conversation on food sustainability,” said Kelton.

Registration is open at http://aipack.com.au/event-registration/?ee=239.

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