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. Hotchkissjhotchki@msu.edu

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.

US, ca. 1880 E. Africa 2013

Italy, ca. 2013

“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)

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.)

Typical Apple Distribution Packaging Line

Peleg (1985)

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

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

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.

Appropriate Technologies: Ecobliss

Ecobliss carded blister packages

Less Appropriate for Emerging Markets: Robotic Machines

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

Less Appropriate for Emerging Markets: Flexible with Fitment

Foiless pouch

Coconut fiberStraw based

Leaves

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.

Use of Digital Label Printing for Packaging

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.

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.

Not the End but Hopefully the Beginning. Comments or Questions?

jhotchki@msu.edu

Not the End but Hopefully the Beginning. Comments or Questions?

jhotchki@msu.edu