Both the waste of food and the impact it has on the environment have emerged as major concerns on a global scale. It is possible for food waste to occur throughout the supply chain as a result of inefficient packaging and inadequate preservation. Food films, which are an essential component of food packaging, have the potential to play a significant part in minimising the environmental effect of the food business and lowering the amount of food that is wasted. Within the scope of this study, the myriad of ways in which food films can assist in addressing these difficulties are investigated. The purpose of this study is to investigate the function that food films play in extending the shelf life of products, improving product protection, optimising the efficiency of storage and transportation, promoting portion control, and supporting sustainable packaging practices.

How to Extend the Shelf Life

The ability of food films to extend the shelf life of perishable food products is one of the most important roles that they serve. By acting as a barrier against oxygen, moisture, and light, food films contribute to the preservation of the freshness, flavour, and nutritional value of the food items that are packaged. As a result of this increase of shelf life, the possibility of premature deterioration and waste is reduced, which enables products to continue to be appropriate for consumption for a longer period of time. It is possible for items to reach consumers in ideal condition if they are properly sealed and protected by food films. This reduces the need for premature disposal and the amount of food that is wasted.

Strengthening the Protection of Products

Food films perform the function of a protective layer, shielding items from any physical damage that may occur over the course of handling, shipping, and storage. Furthermore, they have the ability to avoid contamination, maintain the integrity of the product, and lessen the likelihood of spoiling brought on by exposure to external elements. For instance, coatings that have improved barrier qualities can provide protection against oxygen and moisture, thereby restricting the growth of microorganisms and preventing oxidation. Food films aid to the reduction of product losses and waste throughout the supply chain by ensuring that the product is protected to the greatest extent possible.

Improving the Effectiveness of Containerisation and Transportation

The reduction of food waste is directly proportional to the efficiency with which food products are stored and transported. Food films have the potential to improve these processes by offering packaging options that are not only lightweight but also durable and space-efficient. The overall weight of packaged products can be reduced by using films that are thinner and lighter. This allows for a more efficient use of storage space and reduces the costs associated with transportation. In addition, films that possess the right barrier qualities can avoid the requirement for excessive refrigeration or temperature-controlled storage, which further optimises energy use and reduces the impact on the environment.

Fostering a Controlled Portion Size

In order to cut down on the amount of food that is wasted, portion control is a good method, and food videos can make this practice easier to implement. Films used for packaging can be tailored to give individual or portion-sized packaging, which enables customers to consume only the amount of the product that they require. The use of pre-portioned packaging not only lessens the possible occurrence of excessive consumption, but it also assists in the preservation of the remaining portions, hence lowering the risk of food waste on the part of the consumer. In addition, food films can be used to package products in resealable formats, which enables customers to store and enjoy the remaining portions of the product over a longer period of time.

Investing in Environmentally Responsible Packaging Methods

When it comes to reducing the negative effects that the food business has on the environment, sustainable packaging techniques are absolutely necessary. By using materials and production methods that are less harmful to the environment, food films have the potential to make a contribution to these practices. Use of films that are either recyclable or biodegradable contributes to the reduction of the accumulation of trash made of plastic and helps to develop a circular economy. With the incorporation of renewable materials, such as bio-based films or films derived from agricultural by-products, it is possible to further reduce the dependency on fossil fuels and minimise the carbon footprint that is associated with the creation of packaging.

Providing Assistance in the Proper Labelling and Information of Food

It is essential for food packaging to have accurate and understandable labelling in order to reduce the amount of food that is wasted and to ensure that consumers are informed of the situation. A platform that allows for the display of critical product information, such as expiration dates, storage instructions, and usage suggestions, is provided by food films. Labelling that is both clear and visible enables customers to make more educated judgements about the consumption of a product and minimises the likelihood that the product will be thrown away prematurely due to misinterpretation or doubt. It is also possible for food films to contain technology such as smart labels or RFID tags, which allow for real-time monitoring of product freshness and reduce the likelihood of consuming food products that have expired or gone bad.

There are many different ways in which food films contribute to the reduction of food waste and the lessening of the environmental impact that the food sector has. Food films make a contribution to a more sustainable and efficient food supply chain by prolonging the shelf life of products, improving product protection, enhancing the efficiency of storage and transportation, encouraging portion management, and supporting sustainable packaging practices. Leveraging the potential of food films is becoming increasingly important in order to achieve a more sustainable and environmentally responsible food industry. This is because the global focus on food waste is intensifying.