Packaging cucumbers for a more sustainable food system

According to the United Nations (UN) Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) report, about one-third of all food produced on the planet is lost and not consumed by humans. The fresh fruits and vegetables category accounts for 44% of total global food losses. Furthermore, FAO reported that around half (45-55%) of all fruits and vegetables produced worldwide is lost or wasted along the supply chain. In medium- and high-income countries, most food waste happens at the retail and consumption stages of the supply chain.

Cucumbers have a reputation for freshness. They brighten the flavour of everything from salads to summer cocktails. However, cucumbers are highly perishable and suffer from moisture loss, shriveling, yellowing, peel damage, and decay. Discover with our infographic how specialized Amcor packaging can help to reduce food waste of fresh produce this cucumber season.

Extend shelf life and protect fresh texture, color and flavor
Designed with tailored permeability, Amcor P-Plus™ films provide optimal shelf life and freshness, delivering benefits to both your operations and fresh vegetable products. P-Plus™ films provide tailored permeability to meet your product’s optimal OTR (oxygen transmission rate), extending fruit and vegetables' in-store shelf life and helping them lasting longer at home.

We offer recycle ready versions of P-Plus using PP or PE, helping to reduce plastic waste and increase sustainability. Recyclability is dependent on collection and recycling streams existing in each country. For information on recyclability in your markets, our packaging experts can advise you.

You can learn more about Amcor's packaging solutions for fruits and vegetables, or contact our fresh produce team.

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Source: Denkstatt GmbH in cooperation with ARA AG (Austrian packaging recycling association) and further partners from the sectors retail, packaging production and science (Denkstatt 2014).

1. A study by Project Drawdown, a coalition of experts focused on climate change
   solutions, ranks reducing food waste as the No. 3 action item out of 80 – to the
   tune of more than 70 gigatons of carbon reduction.
2. Data provided by MPREIS, OFI.
3. Thisisplastics.com/plastics-101/rethink-plastic-packaging/ *