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Appropriate Low-cost Packaging Technologies for Foods in Emerging Markets

Appropriate Low-cost Packaging Technologies for Foods in Emerging Markets. “Packaging” defined Requirements and expectations “Appropriate” technologies Cost of packaging Examples Future recommendations. J.H. Hotchkiss jhotchki@msu.edu. Perspectives on Food Loss/Waste.

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Appropriate Low-cost Packaging Technologies for Foods in Emerging Markets

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  1. Appropriate Low-cost Packaging Technologies for Foods in Emerging Markets • “Packaging” defined • Requirements and expectations • “Appropriate” technologies • Cost of packaging • Examples • Future recommendations J.H. Hotchkiss jhotchki@msu.edu

  2. Perspectives on Food Loss/Waste • Exact magnitude unclear but loss is unacceptably large. • Food loss/waste is economically & environmentally costly. • Cause(s) differ between economic situations. • Solutions are complex but for much of the world include appropriate packaging technologies. • Simplest and least costly way to provide more food is to reduce loss/waste.

  3. US, ca. 1880 E. Africa 2013 Italy, ca. 2013

  4. “Packaging” • Technical system for moving products from manufactures/producers through the supply chain to end users (e.g. consumers and businesses) • Primary (contacts food, multi-function including protection) • Secondary (unitizes primary, provides damage protection) • Tertiary (unitizes secondary, primarily handling) • Quaternary (ships tertiary long distances, export)

  5. Distribution Packaging • System to move bulk quantities of goods, including un- or minimally-processed foods through the distribution chain (farm to market or processor). • Product protection (often against physical damage). • Unitizing bulk for handling. • Functionality critical, appearance less so. • Multi component (corrugated, trays, tape, strapping, stretch wrap, cushioning, etc.)

  6. Typical Apple Distribution Packaging Line Peleg (1985)

  7. Demands of Food Packaging • Containment* • Protect & preserve* • Safety* • Facilitate product use • Persuade & educate • Identify product • Production efficiency • Minimize economic and environmental cost* * critical in reducing food loss Packaging is an exercise in optimization

  8. Costs of packaging (US) • Compared to ingredients • 50 to 500% of ingredients • Compared to retail cost • ~8% of retail for “average” food. Higher for more complicated foods, lower for commodities • Compared to marketing costs • “Marketing” costs are 81% of retail (19% farm costs). Packaging is ~8%. USDA, AMS, annually

  9. Appropriate Packaging Technologies • Meet minimum product & distribution needs at an economically viable cost. • Regionally sourced packaging materials. • Manufactured/assembled/processed with high labor input/low equipment costs. • Multiple product use.

  10. Appropriate Technologies: Ecobliss Ecobliss carded blister packages

  11. Less Appropriate for Emerging Markets: Robotic Machines

  12. Less Appropriate for Emerging Markets: Barrier Materials • Si and Al oxide layers in clear films • Toppan Printing (Japan) Clear with barrier properties similar to foil

  13. Less Appropriate for Emerging Markets: Flexible with Fitment

  14. Leaves Foiless pouch Straw based Coconut fiber

  15. Appropriate Packaging • Optimum cost to performance ratio (not just reduce cost). • Cost • primary package; secondary; distribution; transportation, product loss • Performance • Barrier, mechanical, modulus, etc. • Distribution, filling, failure rate, etc. • Shelf life, safety.

  16. Use of Digital Label Printing for Packaging

  17. Conclusions & Recommendations • Appropriate packaging is necessary but not sufficient to reduce food losses. • Packaging materials & equipment companies have very little investment in developing markets. Without incentive this is unlikely to change. • Very little packaging development specific to emerging markets where food loss is high. • Generally, distribution packaging of unprocessed products is the first step required, followed by development of primary packaging.

  18. Conclusions & Recommendations • Establish regional packaging research & development centers which combine for-profit companies with public/international funding. • Provide economic incentives to private companies to develop appropriate packaging for regions where needed. • Focus initially on distribution systems for agricultural products.

  19. Not the End but Hopefully the Beginning. Comments or Questions? jhotchki@msu.edu

  20. Not the End but Hopefully the Beginning. Comments or Questions? jhotchki@msu.edu

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