SUSTAINABILITY AT THE CORE

Akila Wijerathna makes a case for environmentally friendly food packaging

There is a growing interest in bio plastics and other renewable materials because the global plastics sector urgently needs to find sustainable alternatives. And the packaging sub-sector, which is the largest consumer of plastics, plays a pivotal role in this transition to sustainability.

It is imperative for packaging solutions to evolve and incorporate materials that aren’t only derived from renewable sources but also contribute to the circular economy.

Packaging manufacturers are increasingly focussing on reducing the use of raw materials, incorporating renewable materials, and redesigning packaging to enhance recyclability and be part of the circular economy.

For instance, multilayer packaging reduces material usage and enhances barrier properties. But it often poses recycling challenges, which lead to incineration or landfill disposal. Conversely, fibre based packaging with appropriate barriers can benefit from high recycling rates and underscore the need for a circular bio economy.

Innovative sustainable packaging not only aims to reduce food waste by preserving food quality and safety but also tackles the persistent issue of plastic waste accumulation, and conservation of oil and food resources.

It is necessary to integrate effective food packaging into a circular bio economy by highlighting microbial biodegradable polymers from agro-food waste residue as a promising avenue.

These polymers decouple the food packaging sector from fossil feedstocks and allow nutrients to return to the soil. This will result in a more resilient waste based food packaging economy.

Plastic packaging, which is predominantly oil based, constitutes a large segment of global plastic production – with 23 million tonnes being produced annually, in Europe alone – and it’s expected to quadruple by 2050.

Improper disposal leads to plastic litter degrading into micro and nano size particles, which can infiltrate living organisms with long-term adverse effects. If current trends continue, the weight of plastics in the ocean may surpass that of fish by 2050!

To address these issues, replacing oil based packaging with bio plastics is gaining attention. Since bio plastics are often derived from food sources such as corn or cane sugar however, concerns about food security remain. This also complicates waste management due to the need for industrial composting.

The term ‘bio’ often confuses consumers as it refers to both the origin and end of the life cycle of the material. Current eco efficient packaging solutions face scepticism due to the unclear balance between economic and environmental benefits, which require restored trust and transparent green practices.

Sustainable packaging should also improve positive usage by reducing food loss and waste. This involves designing packaging that meets food preservation needs throughout the supply chain, particularly during the distribution and consumption stages.

Since global consumer demand for safe and quality food has increased, advanced packaging technologies are needed. Smart packaging – including active and intelligent systems – offers improved protection and monitoring of food quality. Active packaging incorporates components such as oxygen scavengers and antimicrobial agents, while intelligent packaging employs indicators and sensors to monitor food conditions.

But these technologies raise disposal concerns, prompting the integration of smart design with sustainable packaging trends. Collaboration with recycling bodies during development ensures recyclability, and a healthy relationship between industries and consumers, as well as sustainable development.

To mitigate the use of micro plastics, shifting away from plastic packaging materials altogether is crucial. Natural fibres and biodegradable materials can replace synthetic textiles in packaging, and reduce micro plastic pollution.

Developing full eco life cycles for packaging by sourcing materials responsibly and adopting small gradual steps towards sustainability can improve the environmental performance of packaging solutions.

Biodegradable packaging, derived from agricultural residue, presents a viable solution to the environmental impact of traditional packaging. Biopolymers and bio plastics made from plant oils, cellulose, starch and so on offer sustainable biodegradable alternatives.

The use of agricultural waste for biodegradable packaging contributes to a sustainable eco-friendly economy by recycling waste and promoting the use of renewable resources.

Shifting to sustainable packaging solutions involves innovative materials, advanced technologies and a commitment to a circular bio economy.

By integrating biodegradable materials, improving recyclability and adopting smart packaging designs, the packaging sector can improve food safety and quality while reducing its environmental footprint.