Rethinking Food Packaging

Rethinking Food Packaging

Consumers want appealing fresh food, at the perfect ripeness and with a decent shelf life. However, they are also keen to avoid chemical preservatives and plastic packaging. With tonnes of fruit and veg being shipped around the globe daily, can rethinking food packaging provide a solution?

Alternative Food Packaging

Getting our 5-a-day is easier when we can select a variety of delicious food options.

Whilst eating locally produced fruit and veg is the most economical and environmental choice, consumers want more. We want more than the potatoes, apples, carrots and other seasonal produce that can be grown in the UK climate. Many people couldn’t imagine conjuring up tasty meals without ingredients like avocado, peppers, mango, melon and bananas!

As a result, we are reliant on growers in southern Europe and the tropics to keep greengrocers, market stall holders and supermarkets well stocked. The industry has a challenge to get fruit and veg to our shores before it ripens.

Carefully timed harvesting, efficient processes and temperature-controlled shipping all help to make this possible, but they aren’t always enough. In addition, chemical sprays and plastic packaging can be used to help preserve and protect these perishable goods. However, whilst they keep the products fresher for longer, both have a negative environmental impact.

Clued-up consumers are seeking out organic produce that isn’t wrapped in plastic. So, is it possible to eat affordable fresh food if we’re asking the industry not to use chemicals and plastic?

Innovations in Food Packaging

One innovation, being explored by scientists at the Universidad de Vigo in Spain, is the application of edible coatings. Can the application of a thin, natural, food-grade film help to keep food fresher for longer?

As part of the research, scientists tested biopolymer films created from by-products of the food production industry with a protein, lipid or polysaccharide base. In addition, various application methods have been trialled. When a consistent finish is achieved, these edible coatings have proved effective.

The invisible film helped to retain moisture, provide a barrier to external factors that cause deterioration and lower the rate of colour change. In short, the produce remained fresher for longer.

The research highlights several benefits including:

• Practical use of by-products, reducing waste
• Removal of the need for plastic packaging or chemicals to preserve fresh foods, reducing negative environmental impact
• Improved shelf life for fresh produce
• A desirable appearance, as the fruit and veg have minimal water and colour loss
• Responding to consumer preferences for chemical and plastic-free fresh produce

Could this innovation provide a viable alternative to current food packaging options? The initial results look promising. However, a lot will depend on viability and cost when processes are scaled up. We are keen to see progress in this field.

Cardboard Fruit Boxes

Whether shipping loose or packaged produce, many producers use cardboard fruit boxes for transportation. Cardboard boxes are plastic-free, protective and recyclable. They stack in transit and provide insulation and cushioning to reduce damage. Equally importantly, fruit boxes are made from a high percentage of recycled material and are widely recycled.

If you are a producer looking for sustainable food packaging, look no further. As an FSC® certified packaging company, we can evidence responsible practices in every stage of our process.

We print shelf-ready fruit boxes and branded packaging for fruit and veg retailers, as well as meal kit delivery companies. Give us a call on 01296 436888 or email enquiries@abcbox.co.uk to let us know your requirements. In return, we’ll offer packaging advice, a quote and samples.