Food loss and waste are major environmental challenges, with one-third of all food—1.3 billion tons annually—going to waste, according to the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations. This waste causes resource loss and significant emissions. Plastic packaging helps address this issue by extending shelf life and reducing transport damage, offering a sustainable solution.
Food waste contributes a staggering 8.2% of global greenhouse gas emissions, nearly rivaling emissions from road transport. If food waste were a country, it would rank as the third-largest emitter globally, following China and the United States. Beyond emissions, food waste depletes valuable resources such as water, land, and energy, further underscoring the need for effective mitigation strategies.
According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), packaging plays a critical role in protecting products and resources, and often helps reduce and prevent waste—especially when it comes to food.
Plastic food packaging reduces food waste in several ways:
Multi-layer films that combine polyethylene (PE) with polyamide 6 (PA6) outperform traditional PE films by providing better oxygen barriers and puncture resistance. PA6 creates an effective barrier against oxygen, significantly reducing spoilage and enhancing shelf life.
Critics often highlight the environmental impact of plastic packaging, but the carbon footprint of food waste far outweighs the production and optimization of packaging. A study by Denkstatt (2017) reveals that the emissions from food loss are, on average, five times higher than the emissions associated with producing plastic packaging.
Nevertheless, improper disposal of plastic packaging contributes to marine pollution. To address this, Envalior collaborates with APK to develop high-quality re-granulates from solvent-based recycling of multi-layer packaging. Advanced recycling technologies like pyrolysis and gasification are also being explored, transforming post-consumer plastics into valuable resources.
Multi-layer food packaging based on PA6 is a sustainable choice for reducing food waste and its associated emissions. By offering superior oxygen barriers and puncture resistance, these materials ensure food preservation throughout the supply chain. At Envalior, we’re committed to advancing recycling technologies to create a circular economy for plastic packaging.
Discover how Envalior’s advanced plastic solutions can help reduce food waste and greenhouse gas emissions. Contact us today to explore sustainable packaging innovations for your business.
Director Global Marketing & Sales, Film & Extrusion Business / Intermediates, Envalior
Dr. Marcus Schäfer holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry and brings more than 26 years of experience in the polymer industry. He has built a strong international career, including an eight-year expatriate assignment in the United States, where he held P&L responsibility. In his current role as Director of Global Marketing & Sales for the Film & Extrusion Business / Intermediates at Envalior, Dr. Schäfer oversees global commercial strategy and execution. He is also responsible for the cost-effective production of PBT base resins and compounds, ensuring the highest standards of safety and quality.
16 June 2025
2 min.
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