The Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) has joined the Save Food initiative as part of its commitment to the United Nations sustainable development goal and the national food waste strategy in Australia.
Save Food is a joint initiative of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, the United Nations Environment Programme, Messe Düsseldorf, and interpack – the leading global trade fair for packaging and processes.
The goal is to fight global food waste and loss through a global alliance of all stakeholders.
Messe Düsseldorf processing and packaging global portfolio director, Bernd Jablonowski, said the role of packaging in reducing food waste is crucial.
READ: AIP will run food waste and packaging seminars at FoodTech PackTech
“The Save Food packaging awards have already proven that our industry has innovative ideas to emphasise that role. Being part of the Save Food Initiative communicates the industry’s potential to the relevant stakeholders and encourages new projects and ideas to reduce food loss and waste,” said Jablonowski.
AIP executive director Nerida Kelton said the institute launched the Save Food Packaging Design awards three years ago, in conjunction with the World Packaging Organisation and the Save Food program to encourage improved food packaging design that minimises food waste.
“Australia was the first country in the world to accept the World Packaging Organisation invitation to initiate this award with Australia and New Zealand winners showcased at the international interpack trade exhibition in Germany during May, 2017.
“In May 2018 two of the award winners showcased at interpack went on to receive the Gold and Bronze Save Food Packaging Design Special Awards from the WorldStar Packaging Awards.
“The winning Save Food Packaging designs include advances in extension of shelf life, portion control, improved use-by-date information and on-pack communication, openability and resealability to help prevent wastage of packaged foods,” said Kelton.
“The Australian Institute of Packaging wants to encourage global industry support to ensure the widespread implementation of these world-leading innovations. It will make a huge difference if improved Save Food Packaging design becomes standard criteria for all manufacturers globally,” she said.
“The packaging industry needs a global platform like the Save Food initiative that can accelerate positive change. We can’t have a fragmented approach if we expect to see necessary improvements in packaging design that minimises food waste,” said Kelton.