Like all food companies, refrigerated and frozen foods manufacturers rely on packaging to effectively deliver their products from the production line to the consumer’s plate. But, manufacturers also need to incorporate sustainability practices from the tip of the supply chain down through delivery. And, once the product is consumed, what remains is the package—a visible reminder of a product—but not the value of the package.
Food companies must never lose sight that wasted food is the poorest sustainable outcome. Regardless of how recyclable, reusable, biodegradable or compostable the package is or how few resources its production and distribution consumed, if the refrigerated or frozen food product is never sold—because it exceeded the expiration date or due to freezer burn—it fails and the sustainable contributions of the package are lost.
Consumers don’t always understand the “real reason” why food gets packaged, nor are they often mindful of a package’s limitations. They want it all, and manufacturers are doing their best to deliver quality, convenience and green products.