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Conserving resources — packaging materials
Author(s) -
NAGY G. B.
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
international journal of dairy technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.061
H-Index - 53
eISSN - 1471-0307
pISSN - 1364-727X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1471-0307.1987.tb02386.x
Subject(s) - reuse , packaging and labeling , business , food packaging , food spoilage , product (mathematics) , raw material , plastic packaging , packaging industry , energy conservation , waste management , environmental economics , engineering , marketing , economics , mechanical engineering , chemistry , materials science , geometry , mathematics , electrical engineering , organic chemistry , biology , bacteria , composite material , genetics
The background to food preservation and packaging developments is described. Packaging today provides the basis for many forms of shelf‐life extension, essential for modern retailing. However, packaging is often criticized on the grounds of cost and of being a waster of natural resources and energy. In this paper it is argued that packaging is necessary to protect the product from spoilage and to maintain public health — and that the packaging industry, just like any other industry, cannot exist without raw materials and energy. The total value of the UK packaging industry is £4,000 million per annum (approx £2,600 million for foods). However the total energy involved is only about 5% of the national energy consumption. The food packaging industry has always been anxious to conserve resources due to economic pressures. This has been achieved by using less packaging material, or by turning to cheaper, more abundant materials. In addition, recycling and package reuse/refilling schemes have been introduced voluntarily to save materials and energy and to protect the environment. In the near future, EEC directives will dominate packaging conservation and environmental matters.