#20.02.2024 PRESERVING FLAVOUR AND CURBING WASTE – THE STEEL SOLUTION TO FOOD SUSTAINABILITY
Food waste is a global crisis with severe environmental consequences, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and depleting precious resources. Astonishingly, 46% of food waste is generated during the consumption stage, emphasising the power consumers hold to reduce waste by making more sustainable choices.
Food waste is challenging issue however that spans all stages of the supply chain. Strict quality standards lead to ‘wonky’ produce being rejected, while inadequate packaging design results in the spoilage of perfectly edible food during transit. In the home, a substantial percentage of food spoils before it can be used, ending up in landfill.
Choosing food packaged in steel cans is a powerful way to combat food waste and make a positive choice for the environment. Unlike other materials and multi-material formats which are more difficult to recycle, food packed in steel can easily outlast its three-year best before date and has the longest shelf life of all food packaging materials.
Thanks to its impermeable barrier against light, water, and air, steel packaging protects its contents all the way from farm to fork. In addition, food is typically canned within four hours of harvest, meaning nutrition and flavour are retained for over three years without the need for preservatives.
Given the durability and sustainability of steel cans, it’s no surprise that recent years have seen a remarkable surge in the number and quality of food products available in steel packaging. Today, consumers can enjoy an extensive range of food in steel cans, from everyday staples like sweet corn and chick peas to premium products like boutique seafood and stuffed olives, making home cooking a quick and convenient experience. And, thanks to their long shelf life and energy-free storage, steel cans offer a sustainable solution that reduces food waste and elevates the culinary experience.
For a more in-depth exploration of why steel cans are a positive choice for the environment, watch our latest video featuring insights from packaging expert Paul Jenkins and French food blogger Clémentine Vaccon.