How can packaging innovation reduce food waste in retail stores?

1 Smart packaging

Smart packaging refers to packaging that can communicate information about the product, such as freshness or temperature, to the retailer or consumer. This type of packaging can help reduce food waste by alerting you when a product needs to be sold, discounted, or donated, or by letting the consumer know when a product is still safe to eat. Examples of smart packaging include time-temperature indicators that change color or display a message when a product reaches a certain temperature or time limit; gas sensors that detect the presence of ethylene, a gas that indicates ripeness or decay in fruits and vegetables; and RFID tags that transmit data about the product's location, condition, and inventory to a central system.

2 Active packaging

Active packaging refers to packaging that can modify the internal environment of the product, such as the atmosphere, humidity, or microbial activity, to enhance its shelf life and quality. This technology can help reduce food waste by slowing down the deterioration of the product, preventing contamination, or improving its appearance. Examples of active packaging include modified atmosphere packaging which replaces the air inside the package with a mixture of gases that inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi, oxygen scavengers that absorb oxygen from the package to prevent oxidation, discoloration, and rancidity, and antimicrobial agents that release substances that kill or inhibit microorganisms that cause spoilage.

3 Sustainable packaging

Sustainable packaging is designed to reduce its environmental impact, by using renewable, recycled, or biodegradable materials, or by minimizing its weight, volume, or energy consumption. This can help reduce food waste and the amount of packaging waste that ends up in landfills, oceans, or incinerators. Examples of sustainable packaging include bioplastic packaging made from plant-based materials like corn starch, sugarcane, or algae; edible packaging made from food-grade materials such as seaweed, milk protein, or beeswax; and paper-based packaging made from recycled or certified paper that can be easily recycled or reused.

4 Consumer-friendly packaging

Consumer-friendly packaging is designed to improve the convenience, functionality, or appeal of the product for the consumer, which can help reduce food waste. Examples of this type of packaging include resealable packages to preserve freshness and quality, portion-controlled packages to prevent overconsumption or leftovers, and transparent packaging to let consumers assess the product's condition, quantity, or quality. Packaging innovation can be a powerful tool for reducing food waste in retail stores by extending shelf life, preserving quality, informing consumers, and improving convenience. By adopting the latest trends and innovations in packaging, you can not only reduce costs and environmental impact but also increase sales and customer satisfaction.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?