Food insecurity affects over two billion people globally. Yet, surprisingly, we waste more than 30% of the world’s food each year. This waste mainly comes from flaws in how we produce, distribute, and consume food.
Read more: About one-third of the food Americans buy is wasted, hurting the climate and consumers’ wallets
One major reason for all that waste is unclear food labeling, especially expiry dates. Because of this, many people throw away safe and healthy food. This not only contributes to food insecurity but also increases greenhouse gas emissions and costs.
To combat these issues, we need to invest in tested, sustainable technologies. For instance, smart food-packaging innovations can monitor the quality of food in real-time. This technology gives producers, retailers, and consumers crucial information directly from the packaging.
Real-time information
The new food packaging goes beyond simple expiry dates. It uses advanced sensors and AI to track spoilage signs like pH levels, bacterial growth, and biogenic amines. This means we can know the freshness of food at any moment.
These systems can help keep food safe and reduce unnecessary waste. They provide specific alerts, minimizing the need for costly and time-consuming testing.
However, introducing these smart packages on a large scale poses challenges. Many companies are hesitant due to the higher initial costs and tight profit margins in the competitive food industry.
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Innovative solutions
Despite the hurdles, the economic case for smart packaging is strong. Food waste leads to huge annual losses worldwide. Adopting smart solutions can significantly cut these losses.
By highlighting potential savings from less spoilage and fewer recalls, stakeholders can see the benefits of sharing costs for these innovations.
These technologies also meet the rising consumer demand for sustainability and transparency in our food systems.
Reducing food waste with smart packaging can lower greenhouse gas emissions, save resources, and lessen the pressure on our supply chains. This is especially crucial in areas facing severe food insecurity.
Read more: Food prices are not the only obstacle to achieving food security: Root causes include systemic barriers
Policymakers can help drive this change by viewing smart packaging as an investment in both people and the planet. Effective examples include California’s ban on “sell by” dates, which encouraged producers to rethink labeling.
Governments can also boost smart packaging through tax incentives or funding, making it easier for companies to adopt these beneficial technologies.
Empowering consumers
Smart packaging would arm consumers with the knowledge they need to make wise choices. For example, AI apps could analyze food freshness from images taken with smartphones, helping households reduce waste without opening packages.
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It’s essential that smart packaging platforms work across different food types, rather than just being tailored to specific products.
Investing in these sustainable innovations will benefit the economy and environment, leading to lower food waste, reduced emissions, and relief on agricultural systems.
For communities in developing nations hit hardest by food insecurity, smart packaging could be a game-changer, enhancing shelf life and improving distribution.
Collaboration among industry, academia, and government is key to implementing these solutions effectively.
Profit and societal benefits
Researchers and innovators must partner with businesses to turn smart prototypes into affordable, effective technologies. Policymakers should design frameworks that encourage this adoption. Investments should prioritize economic returns but also consider long-term societal impacts.
As someone involved in developing smart packaging solutions, I have witnessed how cross-disciplinary efforts can make bold ideas a reality. My teams have created technologies like Lab-in-a-Package and sprayable bacteriophage microgels, which boost food safety and cut waste.
To tackle food insecurity, we need a comprehensive approach that blends technological innovations, supportive policies, and societal awareness. By focusing on smart, practical solutions, we can reshape our food systems to minimize waste.
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