The Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) has joined the Save Food Initiative as part of its commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goal 12.3 and the National Food Waste Strategy in Australia.
Save Food is a joint initiative of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Messe Düsseldorf, and Interpack, the global trade fair for packaging and processes. Their goal is to fight global food waste and loss through a global alliance of all stakeholders.
Bernd Jablonowski, global portfolio director of processing and packaging at Messe Düsseldorf said the group was very happy to welcome the AIP as a new Save Food member.
“The role of packaging in reducing food waste is crucial, and the Save Food packaging awards have already proven our industry has innovative ideas to emphasise that role," he said.
"Being part of the Save Food Initiative communicates the industry’s potential to the relevant stakeholders and encourages new projects and ideas to reduce food loss and waste.”
AIP executive director Nerida Kelton said the institute launched the Save Food Packaging Design awards three years ago, in conjunction with the World Packaging Organisation and the Save Food program, to encourage improved food packaging design that minimises food waste.
“Australia was the first country in the world to accept the WPO invitation to initiate this award, with Australia and New Zealand winners showcased at the international interpack trade exhibition in Germany during May 2017," she said.
"In May 2018, two of the award winners showcased at interpack went on to receive the Gold and Bronze Save Food Packaging Design Special Awards from the WorldStar Packaging Awards.
"The winning Save Food Packaging designs include advances in extension of shelf life, portion control, improved use-by-date information and on-pack communication, openability and resealability to help prevent wastage of packaged foods.
“The AIP wants to encourage global industry support to ensure the widespread implementation of these innovations.
"It will make a huge difference if improved Save Food Packaging design becomes standard criteria for all manufacturers globally, and the packaging industry needs a global platform like the Save Food Initiative that can accelerate positive change.
"We can’t have a fragmented approach if we expect to see necessary improvements in packaging design that minimises food waste.”
