How paper and cardboard fight food waste

Paper is increasingly at the center of the Food and Beverage sector due to its intrinsic characteristics. This material, in fact, can define a natural, biodegradable and recyclable product.

All these features are perfect for cellulose-based packaging to be used in contact with food. In the next paragraphs we will evaluate the consequences related to the use of packaging with respect to food waste, especially given the increase in sales from e-commerce and food delivery.

Food waste in a pandemic: the numbers

Food waste is still one of the most common problems related to the welfare society. An estimated 3,624,973 tons of food were wasted in 2020. However, despite the boom in e-commerce and food delivery, there is a decrease of 11% nationally, given by Waste Watchers 2021 on the occasion of the eighth day against food waste.

The greater awareness has led the consumer to implement strategies that also involve packaging, which today becomes a faithful ally in the fight against waste.

Paper and cardboard in the consideration of consumers

Paper and cardboard play a fundamental role in the preferences of Italians because they combine safety and sustainability.

The Waste Watchers report we cited earlier demonstrated how our fellow citizens have implemented strategies that have helped limit food waste.

The situation of uncertainty and the restrictions imposed on circulation have changed spending habits with more prudent and conscious choices, including that of favoring efficient and sustainable packaging.

Packaging of paper and cardboard: how innovation allows the transport and storage of food

The paper industry sector has always worked to develop innovative products, so that increasingly high-performance solutions can be obtained that offer safety and sustainability performance.

This concept led to a study conducted by Comieco, the National Consortium for the Recovery and Recycling of Cellulose-Based Packaging, and by the Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna of Pisa.

The study showed that innovative materials such as nanocellulose offer perfect preservation guarantees and a high degree of recyclability. These features allow for great application possibilities.

The food packaging scenario, based on the goals achieved, is destined to change and transform itself in an increasingly sustainable and circular perspective.

In particular, at the heart of the development of new solutions is the series of products for food delivery. This segment has experienced a boom in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic.

This impulse has accelerated already evolving processes and encouraged the realization of new projects. From doggy bags to pizza cartons, passing through food bags, paper and cardboard are confirmed in first place in consumer preferences.

According to a study by Two Sides, Packaging in the eyes of the European consumer, 2020, paper and cardboard are confirmed the top choice of European consumers: the latter have declared that they absolutely prefer this material for its sustainability and ease of recycling.

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