At Interpack 2014, one of the world's largest packaging trade fairs, Amcor will demonstrate how packaging is a partner in reducing global food waste – from the farm to the fork.
At Interpack 2014, one of the world's largest packaging trade fairs, Amcor will demonstrate how packaging is a partner in reducing global food waste - from the farm to the fork. Amcor will participate this year as a member of the Save Food organization, a non-profit initiative focused on addressing the issue of global food waste.
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.
"Amcor is honoured to be part of this important discussion, and to be a partner in the solution to global food waste," said Gerald Rebitzer, Sustainability Leader for Amcor Flexibles. "Amcor’s advanced packaging technologies help keep food fresh, healthy and convenient for the people who buy it to feed themselves and their families. From the moment food is harvested, Amcor partners with food producers, brand owners and retailers to preserve everything invested in that product."
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.
Advanced packaging can also help to lengthen the ripening process of certain foods. Amcor Matrix is a new range of premium, paraffin-free, paper-based packaging for pasteurised soft cheese. Thanks to its breathable polymer, Amcor Matrix ensures that soft cheese can ripen in the pack both naturally and in a controlled way, with in-pack ripening tailored to suit each specific cheese.
Helping consumers to avoid food waste during meal preparation, and responding to the trend of shrinking households in industrialized countries, is portion packaging. Examples appearing at Amcor’s Interpack stand include Amcor Perfect Portion single serving packs for sauces and soft cheese, and Amcor stick packs for liquid and powdered products, such as instant coffee. Additionally, recloseable solutions like Amcor E-Close help ensure food stays fresh longer after opening, improving the chance that nothing is wasted.
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® filmsensure 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). The European Aluminium Foil Association (EAFA) will also have Amcor products on display, such as aluminium champagne hoods and die-cut lidding (Hall 10/C53). Additionally, members of the Amcor Flexibles Sustainability team will participate in panel discussions hosted by Save Food.
