The Growing Concern of Food Waste in Food Production and Processing Sites

Food waste is a profound issue affecting global food production and processing sites, with substantial economic, environmental, and social implications. Annually, about one-third of all food produced globally, roughly 1.3 billion tons, is wasted, translating to significant financial losses, estimated at $940 billion. In the U.S., food waste costs around $218 billion annually, with nearly 133 billion pounds lost each year due to inefficiencies across the supply chain.i Such waste not only represents a financial burden but also contributes significantly to environmental degradation through greenhouse gas emissions and misused natural resources.1

Causes of Food Waste in Food Production and Processing

Several factors contribute to food waste at production and processing sites. These include overproduction, improper packaging, inadequate storage, and spoilage issues. Overproduction often leads to excess inventory that cannot be consumed before spoilage. Packaging plays a critical role, as improper packaging can lead to premature spoilage, which is a significant waste contributor at the manufacturing level. 1 Additionally, supply chain disruptions, such as delays in transportation or ingredient shortages, exacerbate waste issues by causing spoilage before the products reach consumers.

Reducing Waste through Improved Packaging Solutions

Innovative packaging solutions have emerged as vital in reducing food waste and extending the shelf life of food products. Technologies like intelligent and active packaging improve inventory management and minimize spoilage by monitoring freshness and incorporating antimicrobial and oxygen-scavenging materials.ii Such innovations not only help maintain food quality for longer periods, but they also reduce the chances of food going to waste during transport and storage. Sustainable packaging, like biodegradable materials, also contributes to waste reduction by minimizing environmental impact when packaging is discarded.2

At CDF Corporation, our commitment to sustainability is exemplified in our liner and bag-in-box systems, designed to maximize the amount of product extracted from each liner. This design efficiency reduces food waste at the processing level, ensuring that maximum value is derived from each product processed and packaged.

Insights from the PMMI Study on Shelf Life and Packaging

The PMMI study underscores the increasing focus of food production sites and contract manufacturers on shelf life and the role of packaging in extending it. The interest is growing due to the rising demand for longer-lasting food products and the need to reduce food waste. This shift is driving innovations in packaging technologies that enhance product preservation and reduce spoilage, aligning with the broader industry goal of minimizing waste and maximizing efficiency. Such developments are crucial in meeting evolving consumer preferences and stringent regulatory standards, ensuring that food products maintain quality throughout their intended shelf life.iii

The Economic and Environmental Benefits of Reducing Food Waste

Efforts to reduce food waste offer significant economic and environmental benefits. From an economic perspective, waste reduction can lower disposal and raw material costs, while also creating potential new revenue streams from upcycled products. Environmentally, reducing waste lowers greenhouse gas emissions and conserves water and land resources, contributing to a more sustainable food production process. These advantages underscore the importance of continuous innovation in food packaging and processing methods to mitigate food waste and promote sustainability across the food industry supply chain.

Contact CDF Today

For more information on CDF’s range of mindful packaging solutions, contact us today.

Sources:

i & ii Food Waste in America in 2024: Statistics & Facts | RTS. (2024). Recycle Track Systems

iii Izquierdo, J., & Marquez, R. (2024). Contract packaging & manufacturing: Drivers of machinery investments. PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies.