Is Packaging Necessary?

Packaging plays a vital role in protecting goods. However, excessive packaging materials remain an issue, particularly when single-use plastic is used. In the case of food packaging, is there a viable alternative that allows unnecessary layers to be removed?

Bread Packaging

Millions of loaves of bread are sold in single-use plastic bags. These hold the slices of bread and help to keep it fresh, but it generates non-biodegradable waste. Some retailers have reverted to paper bags, particularly for unsliced loaves. These can be recycled and processed into new paper packaging.

Other options for labelling a loaf are printed rice paper or potato starch stickers. Fully edible, these are applied before baking using milk or egg wash. They can be used to identify the type of bread eg. multigrain or gluten-free, as well as to brand the bake.

Veg and Fruit Labels

In a similar vein, scientists from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) have developed a plant-based ink that can be printed directly onto fruit and veg items. This non-toxic, water-based ink is derived from the Catechu plant and is safe to eat, vegan-friendly and allergen-free.

It is hoped that this print option will soon replace the stickers that are found on items including apples, bananas and mangos. It may also help the move away from pre-packaged fruit and veg, which would reduce the volume of single-use plastic.

Find out more in this Packaging Gateway article: https://www.packaging-gateway.com/news/indian-researchers-develop-ink-packaging/