FOOD PACKAGING HUNGER
The demand for food packaging has seen significant growth this year, according to research from industry analysts Smithers.
Its new in-depth market and technology analysis in "The Future of Packaging: Long-term Strategic Forecasts to 2030" rates the impact of 30 trends on the packaging industry. Highlights include:
- A predicted growth in demand, yielding a total global market value of £860 billion by 2030.
- The importance of recycled materials and adherence to new legislative targets.
- Greater adoption of green packaging formats.
- Further development and usage of new barrier technologies.
Smithers also found that traceability and protecting against counterfeiting are among the emergent priorities.
BENEFITS OF BARRIERS
The useful barrier properties of flexible packaging are the focus of the latest infographic video from Flexible Packaging Europe (FPE). They include keeping good things in and bad things out as also described in the detail about our purpose to protect, present and preserve food for manufacturers across the globe.
MONO IS SINGULARLY NOT ENOUGH
Going "mono" alone is not enough to build a circular economy in plastics, according to Klaus Wohnig, CEO of plastic recycling company APK AG. He also argues that allowing recyclability to prevail over the performance of packaging would be a food waste disaster.
DISPOSING THE DISPOSABLE
Modern, wealthy societies have grown too comfortable with the convenience of disposable culture, argues Colin Church, chair of Green Alliance's Circular Economy Task Force. And "plastic bad – all other materials good is just too simplistic".
Rather, he says, we need to recognise the avoidable harm of all unnecessary single-use items, not only those made from plastic.
MORAL FIBRES
Walki has developed a recyclable, 100% PET-free ovenable tray made of renewable fibre with the aim of helping its customers comply with EU directives on single-use plastics.
The trays can stay in the oven for up to 60 minutes and are suitable for a wide variety of applications, including frozen or chilled ready-made meals, such as fish and baked goods.
Walki joins the likes of Huhtamaki, Sabert and Southern Cross already operating in this sector.
THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE MIXED MESSAGES
Plastics are essential to everyday life, but the way we use them is unsustainable, according to UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
The plastics paradox is examined by UKRI in an updated article that also highlights the work they are doing to help tackle problems associated with the material that "has become integral to modern human prosperity and wellbeing".
You may also be interested in "The Plastics Paradox", the science-based book by Dr Chis DeArmitt that claims almost everything we have been told is untrue about plastics and the environment.
TAXING MATTERS
The UK Government has published a summary of responses to the recent consultation on the Plastic Packaging Tax, alongside draft legislation for technical consultation. This forms part of a wider set of announcements on tax policy as detailed in this written ministerial statement.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR CUSTOMERS
Congratulations to our customers who are celebrating success in the Quality Food Awards 2020. The collaboration of food manufacturers Greencore and Oscar Mayer helped Co-op to gain all wins in the ready meal category, and Kerry Foods was acknowledged for the retailer's success in the Best Pork product category.
RECYCLING SOFT PLASTICS? BLIMEY!
A quarter of Australians don't know that soft plastics can be recycled, according to research revealed by Kellogg's during National Recycling Week down under. The company has partnered with REDcycle and Replas to increase awareness about what plastics can be recycled and where.
Kellogg's initiative coincides with the recyclability of soft plastics being discussed in this week's PKN Podcast. It focuses on the "Roll 'n' Recycle" collection initiative and the importance of recycling flexible packaging for food through a kerbside scheme.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
- Should children eat a plant-forward diet?
In the week that both McDonalds and Pizza Hut celebrated plant-based product launches, here's an article that debunks 10 myths about plant-forward eating.
- Are your favourite foods at risk of extinction?
The BBC looks at concerns about some of our most popular ingredients.
- Can you eat banana skins?
Nigella's back on TV with Cook, Eat, Repeat, about what she cooked in lockdown 1.0. And, yes, you can … the bananas go into a pud and, making the most of the leftovers, the skins into a curry.
- Are you hungry for exceedingly good cakes?
The company behind Bisto gravy, Ambrosia custard, and Mr Kipling's cakes has said people have turned to comfort foods during the pandemic. It said it had gained over a million new customers during the period thanks to an increased appetite for old favourites including Cadbury's mini rolls which have sold in "very robust volumes".
From the KM team … Stay Safe, Keep Up the Good Work, and Enjoy Food!