Food Packaging Facts

Packaging is a necessary component of the food industry. Food is transported throughout the country, increasing the need for packaging. Some types of food packaging can be excessive. The majority of the bags, wrappers, bottles, plastic and other material are not recycled and are left to sit in landfills.

Benefits of Food Packaging

• Packaging protects food from germs and bruising. The nutritional value and other consumer information is listed on the outside of the package. Packaging also helps to increase the food's shelf life.

Excessive Food Packaging

• One example of excessive packaging is tea bags. The tea leaves are sorted into bags, and placed into a box, which is then wrapped in plastic. One approach would be to buy the leaves loosely and use an individual tea strainer.

Solution

• A possible solution to unnecessary packaging could be to buy food loosely, when possible, like fruits and vegetables. Also choose biodegradable packaging like cardboard, rather than plastic. Do not buy small, individually wrapped items. Instead buy items in one large container, to minimize waste.