Waste worse than plastic
PLASTIC packaging on fresh produce is less damaging to the environment than the food waste caused without it, new research has found. RMIT University mapped the life cycle of 10 fresh produce items, including tomatoes, bananas, cos lettuce and berries, both with and without packaging.
The key findings of the study, commissioned by Australian Fresh Produce Alliance, showed packaging the produce increased product protection and shelf life, leading to less food waste.
“Food waste in landfill has an environmental impact until it decomposes but (it’s the) inputs of energy, labour, chemicals, water and nutrients that go in to production of that produce,” the alliance’s chief executive Michael Rogers said.
“The environmental impact of emissions on wasted food is greater than the environmental impact of the packaging.”
The report found “the most sustainable product-to-packaging ratio” was often when product protection was actually favoured over reduced packaging “that puts a product at risk of damage” as energy inputs put into producing the food were not wasted.
Mr Rogers said it was a conversation that needed to be had throughout the entire supply chain.
“Farmers need to have a conversation with consumers and demonstrate that farmers are making choices on packaging that extends shelf life which is good for farmers, consumers and the environment,” he said.
Fight Food Waste Co-operative Research Centre chief executive Steven Lapidge said it was important Australia stopped “demonising” packaging and “found the right balance”.
“Packaging plays a critically role,” he said.
“(Removing it) could have a really detrimental effect on food waste and the end result is a bigger impact on the environment.”
WWF head of oceans Rick Leck told Rural Weekly’s sister paper, The Weekly Times, the role packaging played was “more nuanced” than perhaps the research presented.
“No doubt food waste has a massive impact on the environment and absolutely some packaging prolongs food waste,” Mr Leck said.
“No one is saying every plastic should never be used. That would be absurd, but clearly there is massive problem with unnecessary use of packaging.” Mr Leck said consumers should consider whether they really needed their food packaged and the supply chain should work on using more eco-friendly materials, such as bamboo.
The alliance has released a commitment to minimise packaging waste, including meeting a 2025 target of ensuring all packaging is recyclable, compostable or reusable.
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