Packaging is the source of a vast amount of waste and continues to be a major focus of sustainability efforts in North America and worldwide, especially for packers and retailers.
Many countries are banning plastic, from plastic bags to containers. Nikki Cossio, CEO of Measure to Improve, LLC in Salinas, CA, confirms European countries are asking trade partners to remove single-use plastic from their packaging when shipping into the region.
Tracy Shinners-Carnelley, vice president of research, quality, and sustainability for Peak of the Market Ltd. BB #:385653 in Winnipeg, MB, is impressed with the progress.
“I think some of the most impressive sustainability efforts I’ve seen in the industry recently have been improvements in packaging materials, either in reducing the amount of material used for produce items or trying to shift to recyclable or compostable packaging.
Additionally, she says, “Many efforts are focused on improving practices for crop production and looking to identify new and improved varieties that are more climate-resilient.”
But in terms of work with a direct impact on consumer waste, she sees packaging improvements as a major win for the industry moving forward.
Minos Athanassiadis, partner and consultant with Fresh Link Group, LLC BB #:191833 in Bakersfield, CA, concurs.
“I believe reduction in plastic packaging from products sold in clamshells is a significant issue. Reduction of food waste at both the farm and foodservice level is also important—each company needs an individualized plan on how to address its particular sustainability issues.”
He thinks companies should develop such plans to make progress toward both economic and environmental performance.
This is an excerpt from the cover story in the May/June 2023 issue of Produce Blueprints Magazine. Click here to read the whole issue.
