The World Packaging Organisation (WPO) is inviting all members and the wider industry across the globe to observe the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste on 29 September.
Co-ordinated by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the International Day is designed to make a clear call to action for both the public and private sectors, to prioritise actions, and move ahead with innovation to reduce food loss and waste.
“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,” said Pierre Pienaar, WPO president.
“Avoiding food waste is a critical packaging issue and one that food producers, manufacturers, brand owners, retailers and consumers need to better understand.”
According to Nerida Kelton, vice-president Sustainability and Save Food for the WPO, 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 loos can be minimised and/or prevented,” Kelton added.
“The most innovative and intuitive save food packaging uses design features that can contain and protect, preserve, extend shelf life, easily open and reseal, 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, re-sealability and openability, serving size, food safety/freshness information, information on storage options, and improved communication on packs.”
The WPO has been working on the issue of food waste and the role that packaging plays for many years now, and has developed a special award category for innovative and intuitive Save Food Packaging Design in the 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 a product’s overall environmental impact,” Kelton said.
“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 encourages all businesses to consider entering this award category to help showcase Best Practice Save Food Packaging Design across the globe.
