The World Packaging Organisation is inviting all members across the globe to observe the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste on 29 September, which is coordinated by Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
September 2022 – The ‘International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste’ is designed to make a clear call to action for both the public and private sectors to prioritise actions and move ahead with innovation to reduce food loss and waste.
Why is it important to reduce food loss and waste?
One-third of all food produced in the world is gone, and when food is lost or wasted, all of the resources necessary to generate it - including water, land, energy, labor, and capital - are wasted. Food waste accounts for 8% of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions. If food waste were a country, it would be the third greatest GHG emitter after the United States and China.
'Packaging can play a vital role in decreasing food waste at the start of the value chain so that waste may be averted in families,' says WPO President Pierre Pienaar. Food waste reduction is a key packaging issue that food producers, manufacturers, brand owners, retailers, and consumers must better grasp."
'Without proper intuitive packaging design features and fit-for-purpose packaging, food might potentially be wasted all the way through the supply chain to the customer,' explains Nerida Kelton, Vice President Sustainability & Save Food. Food waste and loss may be reduced or eliminated by altering container designs and ensuring that Save Food Packaging Guidelines are followed."
"The most creative and user-friendly Save Food Packaging incorporates design elements that can contain and protect, preserve, increase shelf life, readily open and reseal, give customer convenience, and portion control, all while achieving global sustainable packaging standards." Packaging design opportunities for reducing food waste include "better facilitation or communication around portion control, date labeling, shelf life extension, protection, resealability and openability, serving size, food safety/freshness information, information on storage options, and improved communication on packs," she said.
For many years, the WPO has been working on the issue of food waste and the role that packaging plays, and has created a specific prize category for creative and intuitive Save Food Packaging Design in its annual WorldStar Packaging Awards, its worldwide packaging competition (www.worldstar.org).
Nerida added that “The ‘Packaging that Saves Food Special Award’ is designed to raise the profile of the critical role of packaging to reduce food waste and therefore reduce product’s overall environmental impact. It also recognises companies that are developing innovative and sustainable packaging that minimises food losses and food waste, extends shelf life and improves the supply of food”. WPO encourages all businesses to consider entering this award category to help showcase Best Practice Save Food Packaging Design across the globe.
How can WPO Members get involved in the ‘International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste’?
Engage with your industry media discussing the issue in your region or country
· Recognise local Food Waste Champions and thank them for their work
· Recognise local charities and associations who are helping to minimise food waste in your region or country
· Showcase the good work that is being done in your region or country regarding Food Waste
· Support your local Foodbank by asking your members to donate canned non-perishable goods
· Showcase local companies who have developed innovative and intuitive Save Food Packaging designs
· Encourage your food and beverage manufacturers to donate goods to Foodbanks and Food recovery services
· Establish an annual industry event to pack hampers for those in need
· Let the WPO know what your association is working on in the area of Food Waste and Save Food Packaging
Leave your own video message about Food Loss and Waste on your social media platforms and tag in
#worldpackagingorganisation #FLWDay2022 #FLWDay #stopfoodwaste #fightfoodwaste #savefoodpackaging #packagingthatsavesfood