Printing and Packaging Materials

Metal Packaging: Leading a Sustainable Future for Food Packaging through Infinite Recyclability and Carbon Reduction

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4 hours ago admin

Amid the growing global crisis of food waste and climate challenges, metal packaging is emerging as a key driver in building a sustainable food system, thanks to its unique resource properties and technical advantages. Robert Fell, Director of the Metal Packaging Manufacturers Association (MPMA), recently emphasized at the National Food Waste Conference in London that metal packaging is not only an effective solution for food preservation but also a vital pathway toward achieving carbon neutrality.

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Currently, approximately 1.3 billion tons of food are lost or wasted globally each year. Metal packaging has already helped avoid over one billion liters of food waste worldwide. As the adoption of metal packaging and recycling rates increase, its potential for carbon reduction and resource circularity will be further unlocked.

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The core advantages of metal packaging are reflected in two key aspects:

First, metal packaging provides a robust barrier for food. It locks in nutrients at the peak of freshness, enabling long-term, stable preservation without the need for cold chain support. From transportation and storage to retail and household use, metal packaging significantly reduces the risks of energy consumption and spoilage. This stability makes canned foods superior in terms of health benefits, affordability, and shelf life.

Second, metal materials are infinitely recyclable. As the most recycled packaging material in Europe, metal is easily separated from the waste stream and can be 100% recycled into new metal products. This creates a closed-loop "can-to-can" cycle, substantially reducing the carbon footprint associated with raw material extraction and production.

Robert pointed out that the resource efficiency and low-carbon characteristics demonstrated by metal packaging throughout its lifecycle make it a critical tool for alleviating environmental pressure and building a resilient food supply chain. He called for strengthened collaboration across sectors to further unleash the carbon-saving potential of metal packaging by enhancing its application and recycling systems, collectively advancing toward a more sustainable packaging future.

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