BETWEEN the farm gate and retail stages, loss of harvested potatoes can result from exposure to damage by insects, rodents, fungi, and bacteria.
Statistics show that worldwide, more than 15% of food is wasted before it’s even left the farm which, in the UK, equates to 9.5 million tonnes of waste. In the US it equates to $161 billion of food.
Advancements in packaging technologies are being explored because food loss occurs at various stages of the supply chain and solutions are needed to mitigate such losses. Smarter packaging is particularly needed to protect fresh potatoes from insect and rodent attack and spoilage by bacteria and fungi, according to one packaging specialist.
Safer biodegradable packaging materials and intelligent packaging systems designed to extend shelf life and prevent food loss are being explored, but more needs to be done according to the Michael Laurier, CEO of environmental technology company Symphony Environmental.
“Food producers and packaging manufacturers are not doing enough to protect the food and ensure higher standards of food-safety,” said Michael.
He went on to add: “Pest management requires modern plastic solutions, and food production lines need to think smarter – especially as public health is at risk if ineffective solutions continue to be used.”
Symphony has developed a range of d2p technologies for plastic packaging which provide a higher level of pest management. Their antimicrobial, anti-fungal, anti-insect, anti-rodent and barrier-enhancing masterbatches extend the storage life of packaged food.
Michael said this can be applied to all stages of food packaging – in the packaging itself and in processing and packaging equipment – meeting FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) standards for food-contact materials.
“As the protective properties are embedded in the plastic itself, they will never wear off – unlike surface-applied solutions. These properties can additionally reduce food spoilage by absorbing ethylene and moisture within the package.
“The plastic masterbatch integrates seamlessly into the existing manufacturing processes.”
Plastic waste collects water, creating the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes to thrive. Therefore, in addition to a d2p anti-insect masterbatch, a d2w masterbatch can dramatically reduce the length of time the plastic waste will persist in the environment, Michael said.
“Anti-insect technology can be integrated directly into mosquito nets, as well as plastic ceilings and floorings to kill insects and repel rodents on contact and protect public health.
