The relationship between food packaging and food waste

 

The Relationship Between Food Packaging and Food Waste

Sustainability is under more scrutiny than ever, and packaging often sits at the centre of the conversation. As businesses look to reduce plastic and adopt paperboard solutions that support a lower‑carbon future, it’s important to remember the core purpose of packaging: to protect, preserve, and extend the life of food.

During WRAP’s second Food Waste Action Week (7–13 March), Colpac — a leading UK manufacturer of food packaging — explores how smart packaging choices can help foodservice operators and retailers reduce food waste across the supply chain.

A Global Issue

To support the global goal of halving food waste by 2030, the UN monitored worldwide food waste throughout 2021. The findings were stark:

931 million tonnes of food were wasted by households, retailers, restaurants, and foodservice providers — around one‑third of all food produced.

In the UK alone, an estimated 9.5 million tonnes of food is wasted every year. Key causes include:

• Buying more food than is used

• Preparing oversized portions

• Oversupply within hospitality, retail, and foodservice

• Food not being eaten before its use‑by date

Around 70% of UK food waste comes from households, but packaging still plays a crucial role in reducing waste beyond the home.

Portion Control Matters

Oversized portions may appear to offer value, but they often lead directly to waste. True value comes from right‑sized packaging that matches consumer needs and reduces leftovers.

Having a broad range of pack sizes is essential. Colpac’s packaging ranges — including the flagship Stagione® line — are designed with this flexibility in mind. From 150ml and 250ml packs for individual proteins to the new 1250ml size for full meals, operators can tailor portions precisely.

Extending Shelf Life

One of the most powerful ways packaging reduces food waste is by extending shelf life. Longer-lasting food means fewer deliveries, more efficient production, and less waste across the supply chain.

This is especially important in the fast‑growing food‑to‑go market. Hot food counters in convenience stores, forecourts, and supermarkets have expanded rapidly, and the on‑the‑go category now spans breakfast through to evening meals.

More variety means more risk of waste — and more need for packaging that protects freshness.

WRAP research shows that adding just one extra day of shelf life could save 250,000 tonnes of food waste in the UK each year. Demand for paperboard packaging and sealing solutions such as Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) continues to rise as operators look for ways to keep food fresher for longer.

As innovators in paperboard packaging and sealing machinery, Colpac helps businesses choose the right solution to maximise shelf life and minimise waste.

Expert Insight

“Packaging plays an increasingly central role in improving supply chain efficiency and reducing environmental impact,” says Kate Berry, Colpac’s Head of Marketing & Product. “Choosing the right packaging for a rapidly evolving market is essential. Our role is to help customers pair their food with the most effective packaging solution — benefiting consumers, operations, and waste‑reduction goals.”

“This not only improves business efficiency and flexibility but also supports the wider mission to deliver sustainable packaging and reduce food waste.”