A recent report by Avery Dennison reveals that smart digital identity solutions in food and beverage packaging can help retailers enhance product traceability and reduce food waste. This report highlights the importance of advanced packaging, labeling, and tracking in prolonging shelf life.
Pascale Wautelet, vice president of global R&D and sustainability at Avery Dennison, explains that smart packaging greatly improves how we monitor and manage food freshness. She emphasizes that technology can keep products fresh longer while solving visibility issues within the supply chain. Currently, 61% of businesses globally struggle with transparency regarding food waste, leading to significant financial loss—up to a third of their revenue.
Enhanced tracking can help brands better manage stock, expiration dates, and sales promotions. For example, Chipotle has successfully used RFID technology in 200 locations. This system enables fast inventory checks and helps prevent spoilage by ensuring products are sold before they expire.
Another innovation discussed is the Fresh Inset Vidre+ labeling technology. This advanced label releases a compound that slows the ripening process, keeping fruits and vegetables fresher for longer. Wautelet notes that even an extra day of shelf life can differentiate between profit and loss for retailers and exporters.
Meat packaging is particularly problematic, with projections indicating that meat waste could cost the food industry nearly $94 billion by 2026. Avery Dennison partnered with Walmart to develop new RFID-enabled labels that improve inventory tracking in the meat sector. This advancement allows for better product rotation and smarter markdown decisions, ultimately reducing unsold food.
Wautelet argues that packaging must go beyond just protecting the product. She advocates for technologies like RFID and QR codes that provide detailed information about each item, helping consumers make informed choices and reducing waste.
One major barrier to solving food waste is the perception that it’s an acceptable cost rather than a critical business issue. On average, food waste costs can equate to 33% of total revenue, making it essential for companies to address this challenge head-on.
Effective change requires a collaborative approach across the entire value chain, from design to sourcing and retail. Retailers play a crucial role since they’re often the first to see waste issues arise. However, progress hinges on working together with suppliers and logistics partners to find solutions that don’t compromise sustainability goals.
Ultimately, food waste is the result of multiple factors throughout the supply chain. Improving packaging and transparency can lead to better decision-making and, hopefully, a significant reduction in waste.
For further information, you can read the full Avery Dennison report here.
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Avery Dennison, Food Waste, F&B Packaging, Smart Packaging
