Packaging is essential for protecting food. For food packaging applications, waste can be reduced by reducing both the packaging and the food waste due to improper or sub-optimized packaging. For a number of years, reduction of packaging waste has been accomplished by the transition from rigid to flexible packaging. The impact of switching to flexible packaging incudes not only reduced weight, which impacts shipping cost, but also reduced package production cost. Further efforts to further reduce flexible packaging weight while maintaining integrity and enhancing durability require a well-engineered approach to package design.<br/>Food waste can be reduced by increasing the shelf life of foods as a result of changing the package type. Greenhouse gas emissions due to food waste are reduced when the appropriate package is used. Case studies are which quantify these effects are described.

More for less: The connection between food waste and packaging

254th National Meeting (2017)

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