MEATing POINT Magazine: #13 / 2017

EDITORIAL
Dear reader,
Numerous studies verify the significant role that
packaging plays in purchase decision and even
consumers eating behaviour. What packages in
the food sector are capable of today goes far beyond
their original purpose of protecting food. Along with the
primary purpose to protect content during transportation
and storage, modern packages have to perform numerous
feats simulta-neously: meet the needs of marketing and
sales, look appealing on the overloaded supermarket
shelves, comply with safety and hygiene regulations, and
meet consumer requirements such as sustainability and
easier handling while keeping the cost of production,
transport and storage low.
Tristan Bogaard
Sustainability in food packaging, which is mainly associated with recycling and disposal,
plays a major role in a person’s purchase decision. A current survey showed that consumers
were pre-pared to pay around 12 percent more for the same product if it could be made
more eco-friendly. Consumers are currently demanding the use of sustainable packaging
materials and are putting pressure on manufacturers to increase their environmental
awareness. Companies are looking for new technologies that reduce the amount of
plastic in packaging, but can still guarantee food safety. There is also a clear trend in
the industry to use renewable resources. Used instead of conventional materials with
a view of diminishing the carbon print, are often considered as extra-sustainable. The
development of deposit and recycling systems and, no less importantly, clear targets have
led to a strong increase in package recycling in the last few years. Recycling is on the
advance, particularly in Europe, and all EU states are to recycle half of their domestic
waste by 2020.
Our cover story “Food Packages: Safe, Efficient, Smart and Sustainable”, looks at how
packaging suppliers are providing adequate solutions to these requirements.
You will find cutting-edge technologies for intelligent and sustainable packaging at
interpack 2017, the worlds largest international exhibition for packaging, to be held in
Düsseldorf, Germany from 4 to 10 May 2017, a unique platform for businesses offering
products and solutions in packaging technology and related processes. Do not miss to
see one of the highlights of the exhibition, a special show called innovationparc which
will address packaging ideas and solutions designed to reduce food losses and waste,
and fight global hunger.
Enjoy your read!
issue 13 | www.meatingpoint-mag.com
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