siliconindia | | August 201919WHY THERE IS NEED FOR SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING IN THE MEAT INDUSTRYBy Lisa Suwal, CEO, Prasumaustainable packaging is emerging as one of the most important dynamics in the meat industry. Even though it is inevitable that this is the way forward, businesses are still divided about the tangible benefits that sustainable packing can offer. Due to misconceptions, it is thought that any kind of sustainable business practice results in cost escalations. To debunk this myth, it is important to look at the need for sustainable packing in the meat industry. Enhances Product's Shelf LifeSustainable packaging methods have also played an important role in maintaining a vacuum for the packaged meat product. As compared to traditional packaging methods, this makes it possible for the product to remain fresh for longer.TransparencyTransparent sustainable packaging methods ensure that meat products can be closely inspected by customers. Therefore, in case they can spot any fault with the meat, they can immediately bring it to the notice of the retailer. Transparent sustainable packing enables customers to make an informed choice. This also allows for better retail merchandising. Consumer tastes are evolvingAccording to research conducted by FMCG giant Unilever, a third of consumers prefer to buy from brands which are doing good for the environment or society. Awareness about sustainability is increasing among individuals who look to do their bit for the environment. A brand that caters to these changing consumer tastes will do well over the long run. Technology has Made it PossibleThanks to new technology, innovations are possible in the field of sustainable packaging. For instance, companies have been experimenting with bamboo, sugarcane pulp and mushroom pulp to create biodegradable products that resemble styrofoam. Sheep's wool is also being considered as a suitable alternative for sustainable insulated packaging. A Chinese startup has created a green recyclable packing box which can be reused upto 14 times. These boxes are waterproof, shock proof and heat resistant.Reduces wasteOver the last six decades, mass production of plastics has reached upto 8.3 billion metric tonnes, which is equivalent to the weight of a billion elephants! 40 percent of plastic which is used for packaging ends-up in land fills and around 30 percent of it is disposed in the oceans. According to a study, it is estimated that by 2050, there will be more plastic in our oceans than fish.Improves profitIndividuals are willing to pay more for supporting green initiatives. Certain countries also provide tax breaks for environmentally sustainable business practices and it may not be long before the same is implemented in India. All these would result in bumping-up the bottomline.Allergen-Free & Toxin-FreeSometimes, even if the meat is produced organically, the packaging ends-up introducing toxins into it. Sustainable packaging uses materials which are allergen and toxin-free. This ensures that the quality and flavour of the meat remain uncompromised. In fact, consumers are getting aware of the Lisa is a conversationalist and a socially aware person who believes in No Wastage of Food. Her sheer perseverance and cognitive approach helped her in building a formal business structure and streamlining the processes.SCXO INSIGHTS
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