appropriate low-cost packaging technologies for foods in emerging markets
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Appropriate Low-cost Packaging Technologies for Foods in Emerging Markets. “Packaging” defined Requirements and expectations “Appropriate” technologies Cost of packaging Examples Future recommendations. J.H. Hotchkiss [email protected]. Perspectives on Food Loss/Waste. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Appropriate Low-cost Packaging Technologies for Foods in Emerging Markets
• “Packaging” defined• Requirements and expectations • “Appropriate” technologies • Cost of packaging• Examples• Future recommendations
J.H. [email protected]
Perspectives on Food Loss/Waste• Exact magnitude unclear but loss is
unacceptably large.• Food loss/waste is economically &
environmentally costly.• Cause(s) differ between economic situations.• Solutions are complex but for much of the
world include appropriate packaging technologies.
• Simplest and least costly way to provide more food is to reduce loss/waste.
US, ca. 1880 E. Africa 2013
Italy, ca. 2013
“Packaging”• Technical system for moving products from
manufactures/producers through the supply chain to end users (e.g. consumers and businesses)– Primary (contacts food, multi-function including
protection)– Secondary (unitizes primary, provides damage
protection)– Tertiary (unitizes secondary, primarily handling)– Quaternary (ships tertiary long distances, export)
Distribution Packaging• System to move bulk quantities of goods,
including un- or minimally-processed foods through the distribution chain (farm to market or processor).– Product protection (often against physical
damage). – Unitizing bulk for handling.– Functionality critical, appearance less so.– Multi component (corrugated, trays, tape,
strapping, stretch wrap, cushioning, etc.)
Typical Apple Distribution Packaging Line
Peleg (1985)
Demands of Food Packaging– Containment*– Protect & preserve*– Safety*– Facilitate product use– Persuade & educate– Identify product– Production efficiency– Minimize economic and environmental cost*
* critical in reducing food loss
Packaging is an exercise in optimization
Costs of packaging (US)• Compared to ingredients
– 50 to 500% of ingredients• Compared to retail cost
– ~8% of retail for “average” food. Higher for more complicated foods, lower for commodities
• Compared to marketing costs– “Marketing” costs are 81% of retail (19%
farm costs). Packaging is ~8%. USDA, AMS, annually
Appropriate Packaging Technologies
• Meet minimum product & distribution needs at an economically viable cost. – Regionally sourced packaging materials.– Manufactured/assembled/processed with
high labor input/low equipment costs.– Multiple product use.
Appropriate Technologies: Ecobliss
Ecobliss carded blister packages
Less Appropriate for Emerging Markets: Robotic Machines
Less Appropriate for Emerging Markets: Barrier Materials
• Si and Al oxide layers in clear films– Toppan Printing (Japan)
Clear with barrier properties similar to foil
Less Appropriate for Emerging Markets: Flexible with Fitment
Foiless pouch
Coconut fiberStraw based
Leaves
Appropriate Packaging• Optimum cost to performance ratio (not
just reduce cost). • Cost
– primary package; secondary; distribution; transportation, product loss
• Performance– Barrier, mechanical, modulus, etc.– Distribution, filling, failure rate, etc.– Shelf life, safety.
Use of Digital Label Printing for Packaging
Conclusions & Recommendations• Appropriate packaging is necessary but not sufficient
to reduce food losses.• Packaging materials & equipment companies have very
little investment in developing markets. Without incentive this is unlikely to change.
• Very little packaging development specific to emerging markets where food loss is high.
• Generally, distribution packaging of unprocessed products is the first step required, followed by development of primary packaging.
Conclusions & Recommendations• Establish regional packaging research & development
centers which combine for-profit companies with public/international funding.
• Provide economic incentives to private companies to develop appropriate packaging for regions where needed.
• Focus initially on distribution systems for agricultural products.
Not the End but Hopefully the Beginning. Comments or Questions?
Not the End but Hopefully the Beginning. Comments or Questions?