Thomas Körmendi is the CEO of Elopak, a global packaging company that aims to use sustainable materials and reduce plastic waste. This year, Elopak opened its first production plant in the U.S. and has set a goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
Chef Anthony Bourdain once urged us to “treat your food like any Italian grandmother would.” He believed in cooking with love and minimizing waste. Sadly, today, over 2.3 billion people are facing food insecurity, and more than one billion metric tons of food is wasted each year, according to the United Nations. Bourdain, who traveled extensively, saw global food waste as a “sin” that needed addressing.
The issue of food waste is not just a problem in poorer countries. Globally, food loss and waste contribute to around 10% of greenhouse gas emissions, significantly impacting climate change. If food waste were a country, it would rank third in emissions, just behind the U.S. and China.
Food waste has different causes depending on the region. In the U.S. and Europe, much of the waste happens after purchase, often when food spoils in homes. In contrast, countries in Sub-Saharan Africa lose around 37% of locally produced food before it even gets to consumers, primarily due to poor infrastructure and lack of refrigeration, as reported by the World Bank.
Enter packaging, often blamed for environmental issues but crucial for food safety. Innovations like aseptic packaging can keep products fresh for months, even in challenging supply chains. For instance, advancements in fresh packaging technology now extend the shelf life of milk and juice significantly, allowing families to waste less and enjoy fresher products.
However, packaging itself poses challenges. The U.S. produces 73 million metric tons of plastic waste annually, with 37% originating from packaging. A recent survey found that 85% of Americans view plastic pollution as a serious issue. The food industry now faces the task of reducing packaging waste while minimizing food waste.
Despite the challenges, there’s hope. A recent poll revealed that one in three Americans has reduced their reliance on single-use plastics in the last five years. Consumer attitudes are shifting towards sustainability. A Getty Images report found that 69% of people believe climate change impacts their daily lives, and 86% think businesses should prioritize societal and environmental improvements.
At Elopak, more brands are moving from plastic bottles to cartons made from paper fibers, which can reduce emissions by up to 73%. This transition is crucial as regulations are starting to catch up with sustainability goals. Packaging’s primary role of preserving freshness is now increasingly paired with the need to minimize plastic waste and emissions.
As we reflect on challenges in our food systems, both food waste and plastic waste are pressing issues. Packaging plays an essential role at the intersection of these problems, offering potential solutions if approached wisely. It’s time we made the most of what’s in our cupboards, not just for ourselves but for the planet too.
