FDBusiness.com

The packaging industry has a vital role in tackling the problem of food waste, according to Linpac Packaging

The response from the food packaging manufacturer follows yesterday’s research, conducted by the Institute of Mechanical Engineers, that showed that half of all the food produced in the world is being thrown away every year.

Alan Davey, director of innovation at Linpac Packaging, said: “This report demonstrates how important it is for retailers, food manufacturers and the packaging industry to work closer together to tackle this problem.

“It would not be wrong to say that if packaging was invented today it would be regarded as one of the greatest green technologies due to its protective and preserving qualities. Imagine a world without packaging; the manufacture, transport, distribution and consumption of virtually every consumer good would be impossible.

“Quality packaging can significantly reduce waste across the entire supply chain by giving food a longer shelf life and ensures food can be transported around the world safely and securely.”

£480 every year

Wrap also welcomed yesterday’s research from the Institute of Mechanical Engineers.

In a statement, Wrap said that it had carried out a considerable amount of research into this area already, and through Love Food Hate Waste and other initiatives, has helped households across the UK reduce food waste from 8.3m tonnes a year to 7.2m tonnes.

Of this, 4.4 million tonnes is avoidable food waste. This avoidable food waste has a value of £12 billion per year, and is costing the average family £480 every year.

In its statement, Wrap added: “The good news is that since 2006/7, millions of people are throwing away less food and saving money for their households. However, there’s still much to do – we’re still wasting more than 7m tonnes a year – and people could be saving money today by taking steps to make the best use of the food they buy.

“Wrap is working closely with food and drink retailers and brands to reduce waste in the supply chain through the Courtauld Commitment, and in October last year, we announced news of significant progress – signatories had already achieved an 8.8% reduction in the amount of food and packaging waste against a target of 5%.”