In modern western society we enjoy a very wide range of foodstuffs, many of which would previously have been ‘out of season’ and much of which has traveled a long distance. Packaging makes that possible.
The energy used to make the packaging is just 10% of the total supply chain energy. Packaging is the “insurance” to make sure that the energy invested in producing, growing and processing food is protected. It also ensures that the additional energy used to get that food to us –in transport, retailing, shopping, storing and cooking – does not go to waste.
Source: INCPEN
The estimated amount of household food waste in the UK for 2015 was 7.3 million tonnes. Globally, it is estimated at 1.3 billion tonnes, up to 40% of total production.
1) Source: “Household Food Waste in the UK, 2015” WRAP
2) Source: www.fao.org