As part of interpack, visitors can not only find out about the latest packaging solutions from exhibitors, but also visit an extensive supporting programme. One item on the programme in Düsseldorf - the Save Food Initiative, which deals with measures against food waste.
Globally, around 14 per cent of food worth around USD 400 billion is lost between harvest and retail every year (FAO, 2019). At the same time, it is estimated that further 17 per cent wasted at the retail and end consumer level (UNEP, 2021). Reducing these figures is the aim of the Save Food Initiative, which was launched in 2011 by Messe Düsseldorf, the interpack and the Food and Agriculture Organisation, FAO. It brings international organisations with food producers and packaging manufacturers.
At interpack, the Save Food stand in the North Entrance area will provide information about the initiative. The Save Food Highlight Route in turn bundles innovations in this area and the Product Safety„ theme day presents corresponding study results and best practices the centre of attention.
Several exhibitors at interpack are members of the Save Food Initiative. The Save Food Highlight Route offers visitors an overview of current projects and products from participating members. Topics include, for example, how Food losses minimised during the filling process how a reliable and product inspection and high-quality sealing or how to avoid undesirable impurities. can be produced. Also on show will be highly sensitive foreign body detectors for all critical control points in the production process to prevent recalls and false rejects, as well as packaging solutions and machines for extending the shelf life of food.
In addition, many other interpack exhibitors will be presenting solutions for safe processing and packaging. The food industry is one of the trade fair's top visitor target groups, and the range of exhibits is correspondingly large. Halls 5, 6, 11, 13 and 14 will be focussing on the food sector and Halls 1, 3 and 4 on the confectionery and bakery sector.
Start-ups are also tackling the topic. For example, keäksack will be presenting craft beer made from surplus bread in the VDMA Technology Lounge in Hall 4. Or easy2cool will be showcasing sustainable insulated packaging for shipping fresh or frozen food in the Start-up Zone in Hall 15.
Residual materials from food production are generally disposed of. At the same time, the demand for alternatives to plastic packaging is increasing. A sustainable One possibility is the production of bio-based and compostable packaging from food waste or by-products of the food industry. The Save Food Initiative is working on this idea together with Bahçeşehir University (BAU) in Istanbul.
In the past few months, a total of 28 students tested different approaches. Two projects were successful. A kombucha scoby biofilm made from orange and tea waste for packaging dry food has great potential and good prospects for applicability. Another team realised the idea, Packaging strawberries in a protective atmosphere in packaging made from integrated PLA nanofilm and rice husks. The results will be presented by the university and the students in the „Spotlight Talks & Trends“ forum on 9 May at 2.30 pm.
The Product safety is the core task of packaging and one of the four hot topics at interpack. The industry is already making an important contribution to reducing food waste. The Product Safety theme day in the „Spotlight T alks & Trends“ lecture forum in the North Entrance area will provide information on current projects and innovations. On 9 May, there will be a presentation by the FAO in Europe and Central Asia on cooperation in the fight against food loss and waste and an overview of best practices in the packaging industry by the WPO (World Packaging Organisation).
Source: interpack
