Wednesday 26 November 2014

The Future of Waste-Free Food Packaging and the Environment

When it comes to eating healthy and looking after ourselves we often carefully look at food packaging as a way to stay healthy. But with the huge negative impact on the environment food packaging has, the future holds a different way of using the package to keep the planet that little more healthy.


waste free food, waste management


There is many waste bins hire service provider companies in Melbourne, so to minimise the use of landfill sites and take a little more interest in the local environment, will the future look cleaner when it comes to our packaging? 



Let’s find out how new technology can keep our food fresh and the planet green.



Over-packaging and Luxury Brands


Food packaging has always had a negative effect on the environment, especially when it comes to needless and over-packaged goods. Many luxury brands like to use multiple papers, plastics and materials to create their ‘luxury’ look of their product packaging, at the expense of the environment. When you take into consideration the waste involved in a simple multi-pack of potato chips, the plastic or foil wrappers can build up to shocking amounts on the waste tip.


food waste, waste free foods, waste management


As food packaging is almost always thrown away and disposed of in a typical landfill site, many companies are turning on to the idea that less is more when it comes to simple designs. Many modern food stores are taking advantage of the new turn in zero waste shopping and are creating boutique package-free stores all across the globe.

Many of these zero-waste stores offer simple labels on products located around the store and allow for the customers to purchase bespoke amounts of food and produce using dispenser machines for cereal as well as for rice, pasta and other products. This system is designed not only to reduce the initial packaging waste down to zero but also offer customers easier choices when it comes to brands and product identity.






Transformational Packaging Applications


Some of the more futuristic applications of lower or zero-waste food packaging include the nifty invention of Tomorrow Machines’ bio bowl that has the ability to transform from packaging into a serving device. The special biologically-based material reacts to hot water by reforming into a bowl shape for the user to enjoy their rice or noodles, without any washing up!


packaging, waste free food

Another great advantage in the field of food packaging technology allows us to look to a future where nanotechnology plays a key role in reducing waste on a large scale. A team of researchers have invented a nanomaterial that can be used in carbonated drinks to not only help keep the drinks fizzier but to also help the environment.



Biodegradable Nanotechnology Packaging



This nanomaterial is created using water and clay and is completely biodegradable within as little as months. Improving food packaging and helping the environment is a big win for the food and drink industry, and one that many large companies will look to take advantage of in the future.


One of the more novel inventions in zero-waste food packaging is the idea of edible packaging. The idea is that the container that your food comes in is also edible - making for a perfect starter or dessert - your choice! Some of the best edible food packaging includes Pepceuticals’ edible coating for fresh meat that is tasteless and helps to preserve the life of the food itself. Once purchased, you just cook the meat as usual and enjoy without wasting a single thing!



The Future Is Bright, Light and Waste-free!


In the long term, food packaging has to play its role in helping protect the environment from harmful plastic and other materials found in food packaging. The industry is working on it, but getting there is going to take a massive step-change in both the technology currently used and the shopping habits of consumers.

If every shop, supermarket and retail outlet sold zero-waste food packaging, we would see a reduction of up to 70% of items dumped in landfills, requiring waste bin hire in Melbourne, as well as the greater community. So, think before you eat and cut down on unnecessary packaging and wrapping and choose the green option.

1 comment:


  1. Thank you for your post. This is excellent information. It is amazing and wonderful to visit your site.
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    ReplyDelete

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