January 13, 2025
Addressing food waste, a significant global issue, is one of the most important things we can do to help fight food insecurity while also mitigating the effects of climate change. Every year, vast amounts of food are discarded due to spoilage, leading to possible environmental harm and significant economic loss.
Plastic flexible films play an important role in combating this waste by extending the shelf life of food products, preserving freshness, and reducing the likelihood of spoilage.
Globally, food waste is at a staggering high, with approximately 1.3 billion tons of food discarded every year. The waste doesn’t just represent a significant loss of resources, it also contributes to environmental consequences as a result. The decomposition of food in landfills releases greenhouse gases (mainly methane) that further amplify the effects of climate change.
In the United States, much of this waste results from food spoiling before it’s consumed or being prepared in excessive quantities. This unfortunate fact clearly demonstrates the pressing need for solutions to minimize food spoilage and over-preparation.
Flexible plastic packaging employs advanced technologies such as Modified Atmospheric Packaging (MAP), vacuum packaging, and active packaging to create conditions that slow down the natural decay processes that cause food to spoil.
For example, MAP adjusts the oxygen and nitrogen levels within the packaging to inhibit spoilage, while vacuum packaging removes air entirely, preventing the growth of bacteria. Going beyond traditional methods, active packaging includes elements that absorb or release substances to keep conditions optimal for certain foods.
These innovations can significantly prolong the freshness of foods, including meats whose shelf life can be extended from just a few days to nearly three weeks, and fruits and vegetables, which can remain fresh for weeks instead of days.
Flexible packaging plays an important role in cutting down on food waste by enabling more effective portion control. With the ability to reseal and easily portion out food, consumers can cook or serve only what they need, minimizing the chances of leftovers going to waste.
The portability of flexible packaging further enhances its value, allowing food to be conveniently stored and transported without compromising freshness. These features are particularly beneficial in households, where the ability to manage portions and store unused food effectively can lead to a noticeable reduction in food waste.
Flexible packaging helps consumers use food more efficiently, directly reducing the amount of food that’s thrown away each day.
Plastic flexible films significantly contribute to reducing food insecurity by extending the availability of perishable goods. Extending shelf life through plastic packaging helps consumers in food deserts and rural areas access fresh products that might otherwise spoil before reaching them.
Plastic film serves a significant role in extending the availability of fresh food, especially in areas with limited access, by keeping nutritious options on shelves for longer periods. Reducing food waste on a global scale conserves resources and enhances food security, enabling more people to benefit from the food produced.
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Plastic flexible films offer significant sustainability advantages, starting with their efficient use of materials and energy during production. Using fewer resources in their production than traditional packaging, these films present a more environmentally friendly option. Their lightweight design also leads to lower transportation costs and reduced carbon emissions, as more products can be shipped using less fuel.
Beyond production and transportation, these films contribute to broader environmental goals through their role in reducing food waste. Extending the shelf life of food prevents waste-related emissions from decomposing food, thereby directly supporting sustainable efforts.
Recycling plastic flexible films, while offering many benefits, also presents several challenges, particularly due to the fragmented recycling system currently in place. Unlike more commonly recycled materials, flexible films often require special handling and are not widely accepted in curbside programs, which limits their recyclability.
Thankfully, many efforts are currently underway to improve this situation, with innovations in collection methods and sorting technologies aiming to make recycling more accessible and effective. However, achieving a true circular economy for flexible plastics depends on a coordinated effort across the entire value chain, spanning from manufacturers to consumers.
Focusing on improving design, increasing recycling infrastructure, and developing strong end markets for recycled materials are all essential for moving closer to a sustainable future for plastic flexible films.
As you can see, plastic flexible films are significant for enhancing food security. From reducing food waste and extending shelf life to giving consumers more control over how much and when they use their food. To remain connected to the latest in sustainability, we encourage you to check out the resources offered by PLASTICS, the Plastics Industry Association.
With our magazine, industry reports, series of events, and more, you can stay up-to-date on anything that is currently impacting the plastics industry. Organizations that aren’t yet members should consider joining the association to amplify their impact on reducing food waste while promoting greater sustainability within the plastics industry.
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