We all know that our dear planet is in dire need of eco-friendly products which will help in saving the environment. The food packaging industry is no exception to this as they are also active contributors to environmental pollution. This is the reason that most of the food packaging in Sydney is relying on renewable resources. The elimination of plastic and other such materials in food packaging is active so that there can be a significant reduction in pollution.
There are a number of alternative and new materials which have the potential to become the future of food packaging. Out of them, the top one is the under-utilized food ingredients which can be turned into packaging materials. The advantages of such materials over the conventional ones are quite obvious, thus, leading to changing trends.
The High Demand of the Consumers
The consumer of today has become more aware and they are familiar with the things which are right or wrong for the environment in the longer run. Until now, the majority of food packaging materials comprised of laminates which are either plastics or metals. These materials are suitable for certain types of foods. However, the consumer preferences are changing with time and they have become familiar with the role they can play in bringing a change to the system.
They raise their voices on issues related to the environment, sustainability, and food safety. The consumer demands are bringing down the use of conventional packaging materials because of their adverse effects. The reports have even suggested that 38% of the food packaging materials will, in fact, put the environment at great risk because of being ending up in a landfill.
The Edible Food Packaging
There are several groups out there that have carried out extensive research on food manufacturing and the packaging which is used to preserve these items. The edible packaging showcases enormous commercial as well as environmental potential. There are numerous publications which are addressing it and would like all the food packaging in Sydney to opt for it.
The problem is that the research is still at infant stages so there is still some time before it can be transformed into an action plan. The coverage is limited when we consider its potential but as the people are gaining familiarity with it, its popularity is definitely going to increase. Some bio-polymer edible films have been produced but they are still in the experimental stages.
The Bottom Line
The statistics regarding plastic consumption around the world are alarming, thus, the need to find sustainable solutions has increased more than ever. While only 5 million tonnes of plastic was used in the 1950s, the value has increased to an alarming 230 million tonnes today. If this problem is not addressed in time, the result will be far more dangerous than our imagination.
A number of food companies are looking for such alternatives because they will be bringing the manufacturing costs down as well. They might not be able to provide a longer shelf life to the food itself but their other benefits are worth it.
