Packaging and Food Scarcity: The Profitability in Waste Reduction
Todd Meussling, senior manager of market development at Fresh-Lock discusses how investing in innovative and sustainable packaging can be profitable and contribute to food scarcity/food insecurity initiatives.
In November, we reported on food loss and waste (FLW) and how research is showing that most FLW happens upstream in the supply chain. According to a Coresight Research study, 37% of food waste happens in the homes of consumers.1 Since food manufacturers are unable to monitor the at-home use of consumer goods, one solution is to invest in packaging that will enhance products and lengthen shelf- and storage-life of perishable food items.
Packaging of perishable food items not only affects FLW, it also contributes to food scarcity within communities across the globe. The Word Food Organization anticipates 345 million people will face food insecurity in 2023, more than double the number in 2020.2 So what solutions can food manufacturers employ to do their part in reducing these numbers while maintaining sustainability goals?