Packaging is playing an increasingly important role in preserving food products and expanding the scope of distribution.
According to research, 18 million tons of food end up in landfills in Russia every year.
On average, each person in the country throws away 80 kg of food per year.
Households account for a significant portion of food waste (71%), while the remaining 29% come from grocery stores and food service establishments.
It is estimated that every minute, approximately two truckloads of food waste requiring disposal accumulate in Russia. Significant amounts of food are wasted during the logistics phase. Modern technologies, including barrier packaging, make it possible to improve food preservation.
Polymer films are taking center stage
According to SIBUR, food losses in the supply chain amount to 30%. Of this total, 8% occur during production, 3% during transportation, 9% during processing, 5% during logistics and storage, and the same percentage during sales. This is especially true for perishable goods, such as meat, fish, dairy products, etc. In most cases, losses result from poor packaging choices or packaging that is unsuitable for storage and shipping conditions.
Today, one of the key objectives of packaging is not merely to protect the product, but to ensure its quality throughout every stage of the process. In fact, it has become an integral part of the production process. One of the most effective solutions, which has quickly become the industry standard, is polymer barrier packaging. Thanks to its protective properties, the shelf life of products can be extended up to 10 times, the company notes. Meat packaged this way can be stored for 5 to 20 days, poultry for 10 to 25 days, sandwiches for 5 to 7 days, and ready meals for 7 to 10 days.
Modern multilayer polymer solutions make it possible to maintain a modified gas atmosphere (MAP) inside the packaging. They prevent the growth of microorganisms and protect the product from exposure to oxygen, thereby extending its shelf life.
In addition, polymer packaging has become one of the key drivers behind the growth of the ready-to-eat food market, which has begun to expand beyond major cities. The logistics chain is getting longer, and whereas previously there were minimal requirements for products – namely, that they remain fresh for 2–3 days within a major city – today the same product travels thousands of kilometers while staying fresh and retaining its marketable appearance.
Packaging as an investment
Polymer film not only protects products from harmful external factors, but also helps maintain the appealing appearance of products or ready meals. Transparent materials allow customers to visually inspect the contents without damaging the packaging integrity, while the variety of shapes and sizes enhances user convenience. All of this makes it indispensable in today’s world.
In today’s world, packaging is no longer merely a consumable item, but a full-fledged investment in product safety and quality that impacts the bottom line of manufacturers and retailers. This is particularly relevant given the current logistical challenges, rising prices, and companies’ efforts to optimize costs.
Packaging requirements are getting stricter. It is expected to offer not only visual appeal, but also functionality and compatibility with automated warehouse systems. The food market is highly sensitive to timing and waste, and packaging has the potential to become not just a cost center but a hub that enables technological solutions to function effectively at every stage – from the factory to the shelf.
Source: www.sfera.fm