Using Innovation to Keep Foods Fresher for Longer Ron Cotterman Vice President, Sustainability Sealed Air Corporation SAVE FOOD Congress May 8, 2014
Actions to Address Food Security 3 Partnerships Education Innovation Raise awareness, define best practices and develop standards Information on food handling, proper storage conditions and meal planning Apply technologies to keep foods fresh and prevent waste
Systems Thinking and Food Supply Chains
Supply Chain Interactions and Food Waste 5 15% of incoming 12% of purchased 4% of incoming Decisions made at beginning or middle of supply chain affect outcomes at the end
Bringing Food Science into Focus
Sources of Food Spoilage Physical Changes in moisture, abuse Chemical Oxidations, browning, proteolysis (light, heat, enzymes) Microbiological Putrification (off-odors) Fermentation (souring) Rancidity Molding Microbes Yeasts Molds Bacteria Viruse s Significant food waste occurs due to spoilage, which accelerates with increasing temperature 7
The Role of Materials Science
Use of Materials Technology to Protect Food 9 9 Abuse Outer Core Barrier Inner Core Sealant Packaging is engineered to withstand abuse, provide barrier and make air-tight seals
Technologies to Prevent Food Waste
3. Transport protection 2. Sanitation & hygiene Supply Chain Technologies 1. Cold chain monitoring 11
3. Active packaging 2. Modified atmosphere Packaging Science Technologies 1. Barrier skin packaging 12
3. Meal portioning 2. Reclosability Packaging Design Technologies 1. Smart(er) labelling 13
Conclusions Strategies for reducing food waste rely on knowledge of: Supply chain systems Food science Materials science Technology innovations can be deployed to: Protect food across the supply chain Use packaging science to extend shelf life Enable consumers to waste less 14
Conclusions Strategies for reducing food waste rely on knowledge of: Supply chain systems Food science Materials science Technology innovations can be deployed to: Protect food across the supply chain Use packaging science to extend shelf life Enable consumers to waste less 15