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trade and consumers. In addition a Possible roles of packaging: plastic industry for its negativity in
lot of food is not eaten by consumers generating plastic waste, I personally
because, for example, the quantities 1. Packaging can contribute to believe that plastic is a boon and we
purchased by them are too large. reducing waste and thus making cannot imagine life without it.
As per a study in under developed a circular economy more effi cient
or developing countries food is lost (eg. by prolonging shelf life or For example, the thought of banning
at pre-harvest, harvest and initial protecting packaged goods) plastic must be removed from
handling phase while in other parts individuals’ minds as we cannot

of the world food waste tends to move 2. Packaging can be reused (eg. b2b imagine how difficult it would have
up the distribution chain to retail and transport packaging inside and/or been during this pandemic time
consumption level. We notice here between industries and trade or in without PPE equipment or PPE
food is more likely thrown away deposit systems in b2c trade) kits which are made of plastic. Our
when still edible. efforts should be focused towards
3. Packaging materials can be recycling more and disposing of
FAO (Food and Agriculture recycled waste materials responsibly. One
Organization of the United Nations) such way is separating plastic waste
presented two fundamental studies 4. High energy content packaging from bio waste right from each

on the scale and reasons for food (e.g. fibre and plastic) can be used household to large dump stations.
loss in different regions of the world for energy generation when it can Given the current scenario, although
in 2011. And these studies clearly no longer be reused or recycled effort is made identifying bio based
highlighted the role of packaging in
preventing such loss in order to gain
further understanding on how to
secure a global resource-conserving
food supply.

An essential element is the use of
expertise from the packaging and
process industry. Effi cient logistics
are the key to minimizing food loss
effectively on route to trade and
consumers. This includes state-of-
the-art processing methods as well
as intelligent packaging systems
which ensure comprehensive
protection.
Packaging can play a signifi cant role plastic material, focus should be
Possible packaging solutions: in reverse logistics which will be more on effective ways to recycle
an important part of future circular the plastic.
• Appropriate packaging economy. Waste will become a
• Appropriate materials valuable raw material and should In fact, if we notice during the
• Modern packaging such as active be treated more carefully than decade or a little more, the
and intelligent packaging before. Reverse logistics is an area packaging industry is reinventing
• Portion sized packaging of great potential for the packaging itself. There have been remarkable
• Re-closable packaging industry in the future. As a circular improvements in material, processes
• Convenient packaging economy becomes mainstream in and in energy effi ciency infl uencing
• Hygienic processing and the future energy generation will the total environmental footprint.
packaging not be preferred but actually the last A lot of emphasis has been put on
choice and used only when all other the packaging waste issue. In the
Circular Economy - Role of packaging possibilities have been used. developed countries a determined
direction has been set to circular
Packaging can play several roles in a Coming to Plastics - Although economy in which waste becomes
circular economy. several efforts are blaming the new raw material.

Food Marketing & Technology 37 April 2021