Food waste is one of the most dire problems facing the environment today, with over one-third of food produced in the U.S. never being eaten. One area where food waste can easily be prevented is at the packaging source. Proper packaging has major potential to reduce food waste, from the shipping process to the grocery store and even in people’s homes. Learn about different ways packaging can help mitigate this growing problem. 

Sustainable Packaging Materials

Packaging made from renewable materials or compostable packaging means less waste. There’s no reason to continue filling landfills with materials that don’t provide more benefit than their sustainable counterparts. Using high quality materials to package food also extends the shelf life of food and prevents spoilage.

Modified Atmosphere Packaging

Modifying the atmosphere inside of food packaging can slow down the growth of bacteria. You can find food packaging that allows you to control levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide and humidity. This extends the shelf life of perishable products, meaning they will last longer and be less likely to be wasted. 

Intelligent Packaging

Recent advancements in packaging technology have helped us make strides in knowing for sure whether packaged food is spoiled or at an unsafe temperature. Smart labels and sensors have the ability to monitor and communicate the condition of food inside packaging. They do this by automatically detecting factors like temperature and moisture. This provides real-time information to consumers about the freshness and safety of the food they purchase. 

Portion Control Packaging

Packaging that encourages portion control can help customers make smarter decisions in terms of buying and making their food. Pre-portioned packaging or packaging with visible serving sizes can prevent customers from buying or consuming more than they need. When customers don’t make more food than they need, they’re less likely to waste their leftovers.

Food production and processing is an essential business for people around the world. Reducing waste during the production process can have a major impact on the environment. If you’re looking for better packaging solutions for your business, Pollock Orora can help with that. Contact us today to learn more.