Packaging

Grocer, July 26, 2008

It's not known how much waste is generated by lunchbox meals, but with 3.8 billion consumed every year, you can bet it is a lot. So what are manufacturers doing to cut the environmental impact of their packaging?

Quite a lot, as it happens. Greencore Sandwiches, for instance, has 'downweighted' the plastic it uses for ready-made sandwiches by 13% in the past year, and is working on reducing food waste, while dried fruit supplier Whitworths is bringing the environmental message to the next generation via messages on packs of its Sunny Raisins range for kids.

There are plenty of ways food companies can cut the impact of the packaging used for lunchbox products, says Clare Wood, project manager at Wrap.

"Manufacturers should consider whether the dimensions of the packaging are as small as possible. Are the optimum layers used? For some pre-packaged items, such as certain types of cakes, a thermoformed troy might be needed in addition to a flow-wrapped sleeve. Bat for other products, a tray is not needed. "They could also benchmark their packaging against other packaging within that category."

However, it is important not to take packaging reduction too far. "Food needs the appropriate amount of packaging to protect it in the lunchbox, in order to ensure it is in good condition when eaten, thereby minimising food waste," she says.

And retailers also have a role to play. "They can ensure clear promotion of items suitable for lunchboxes that have no, or minimal packaging," she explains. "They can also offer consumers a good range of refillable drinks containers and plastic lunchboxes in order to encourage their use rather than pro-packaged products."