Modern food packaging needs smart plastic solutions, says Symphony Environmental and urges food producers to stop using packaging which is ineffective against pest attack, to protect of food from insects, rodents and spoilage by bacteria and fungi., adding that a smarter packaging product is needed.
In the US alone, food waste is a significant issue, with estimates indicating between 30% – 40% of the food supply is wasted annually. Equating to approximately 133 billion pounds of food, valued at around $161 billion, based on data from 2010.
Food loss occurs at various stages of the supply chain, but the USDA notes that between the farm gate and retail stages, food loss can result from exposure to damage by insects, rodents, fungi, and bacteria.
To mitigate such losses, advancements in packaging technologies are being explored. For instance, the USDA is exploring safer biodegradable packaging materials and intelligent packaging systems designed to extend shelf life and prevent food loss.
Michael Laurier, CEO of environmental technology leaders Symphony Environmental says: “food producers and packaging manufacturers are not doing enough to protect food and ensure higher standards of food-safety.”
“We have developed a range of d2p technologies for plastic packaging www.d2p.net which provide a higher level of pest management. Their antimicrobial, anti-fungal, anti-insect, anti-rodent and barrier-enhancing masterbatches extend the storage life of packaged food. This can be applied to all stages of food packaging – in the packaging itself and in processing and packaging equipment – meeting FDA and EFSA standards for food-contact materials.”
“As the protective properties are embedded in the plastic itself, they will never wear off – unlike surface-applied solutions. These properties can additionally reduce food spoilage by absorbing ethylene and moisture within the package.”
“The plastic masterbatch integrates seamlessly into the existing manufacturing processes, creating a massive impact at low cost for manufacturers looking to reduce plastic waste and use of chemicals, without massive costs or operational disruption. d2p addresses food protection and environmental sustainability in one process.
“Regarding mosquito-control, plastic waste collects water, creating the perfect breeding ground for disease-carrying mosquitoes to thrive. Therefore, in addition to a d2p anti-insect masterbatch, a d2w masterbatch can dramatically reduce the length of time the plastic waste will persist in the environment.”
“Finally, anti-insect technology can be integrated directly into mosquito nets, as well as plastic ceilings and floorings to kill insects and repel rodents on contact and protect public health.”
Laurier concludes, “Pest management requires modern plastic solutions, and food production lines need to think smarter – especially as public health is at risk if ineffective solutions continue to be used.
Sumphony Environmental Remains leader in antibacterial plastics (FREE)
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