Is Sustainable Packaging Really Helping Food Waste Reduction in the UK?
As awareness of environmental issues grows, sustainable packaging has become a major focus for reducing food waste in the UK. Many new packaging options aim to preserve food while reducing single-use plastic. But how well do these solutions work?
1. Edible Packaging Gains Popularity
Brands are developing edible packaging, which offers an eco-friendly alternative to plastic. These wraps are typically made from food-grade ingredients, making them safe to eat and biodegradable if discarded. However, edible packaging isn’t perfect. Moisture and temperature changes can impact durability, meaning food wrapped in edible material might spoil faster if improperly stored. City Harvest supports these innovations but focuses on redistributing food to people who need it before packaging becomes an issue.
2. Biodegradable Wrappings in Supermarkets
Supermarkets have introduced biodegradable wraps and containers as an alternative to plastic. These materials, while eco-friendly, sometimes lack the durability of plastic. Certain biodegradable wraps may fail to fully protect fresh produce from spoilage, especially during transport. This could lead to higher food waste before reaching consumers. City Harvest addresses this challenge by rescuing produce and distributing it directly to communities, bypassing long storage times.
3. Smart Packaging Technology Extends Freshness
Smart packaging solutions, like freshness indicators, monitor a product’s condition. These indicators help retailers manage inventory, reducing waste from spoiled items. Certain sensors alert consumers if food is at risk of spoilage, providing a cue to consume it sooner. While promising, this tech has limitations due to cost and adoption rates. City Harvest uses surplus tech donations to track and distribute large volumes of food efficiently, maximising our impact on waste reduction
4. Refillable Containers Become a Trend
Refillable packaging lets customers bring containers to stores, reducing single-use packaging. Stores like Marks & Spencer and Waitrose now offer refill stations for grains, pasta, and other dry goods. Refillable containers work best for non-perishables, but fresh produce often requires specialised packaging for preservation. City Harvest supports refillable efforts by promoting bulk food donations to minimise packaging waste while serving communities.
5. Compostable Packaging on the Rise
Compostable packaging has become more common, especially for ready-to-eat meals and takeaway items. These materials work well for those with home composting systems, but they can complicate waste sorting without them. For foods distributed by City Harvest, compostable packaging is used to make it easier for households to dispose of food containers without harming the environment.
City Harvest Rescues the Planet
City Harvest’s food rescue mission helps to prevent needless GHG emissions from food waste in landfill. Learn more about how our planet-friendly operation, and how you can help!
