Metal Matters in the Fight Against Food Waste
The latest industry studies estimate that as much as half of all food produced globally for human consumption is wasted every year. That is a staggering figure, particularly considering that around one in nine people on the earth do not have enough food to live a healthy life. Couple this with estimates that the global population will reach close to 9 billion people by 2050, and the need to reduce food waste to ease the strain on resources and agricultural land is more vital than ever. To look at where we can make a difference, we must first look at the food value chain. There are five steps in the process: production, handling and storage, processing and packaging, distribution and market and consumption. Emerging economies waste 40% of food during the first two steps of the value chain, while mature economies waste 40% of food during the last two steps. Processing and packaging lies in the middle of the value chain and has the potential to make an impact on both sides of the economic divide.