The growing issue of food waste
Food waste is a global challenge, contributing not only to environmental degradation but also to a massive economic loss. In Australia, it’s estimated that around 7.6 million tonnes of food are wasted each year (DCCEEW), with a significant portion of this waste coming from fresh produce. As retailers and suppliers continue to seek innovative solutions to reduce food waste, Naturpac’s latest partnership with GreenKeeper offers a promising solution to keep fruit and vegetables fresh for longer, ultimately reducing waste and supporting sustainability efforts across the supply chain.
So what is GreenKeeper?
GreenKeeper is a groundbreaking product designed to extend the freshness of fruit and vegetables by addressing one of the primary causes of premature spoilage: ethylene gas. Ethylene is a naturally occurring plant hormone that accelerates the ripening process, leading to faster decay in produce. GreenKeeper uses a range of products such as sachets, blankets, and granules that absorb and neutralise ethylene, slowing down the ripening process and prolonging the shelf life of produce.
The food waste problem and its environmental impact
The environmental impact of food waste cannot be understated. As food rots in landfills, it produces methane gas, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes significantly to climate change. Additionally, food waste leads to wasted resources, including water, energy, and labor, all of which go into producing, transporting, and distributing fresh produce. By tackling food waste at the source, GreenKeeper is not only helping to preserve valuable resources but also supporting the transition towards more sustainable practices in the agricultural and retail industries.
How GreenKeeper works to reduce food waste
GreenKeeper’s technology works by neutralising ethylene, which is emitted by fruit and vegetables as they ripen. By capturing this gas, GreenKeeper products slow down the ripening process, reducing the speed at which produce spoils. This means that retailers and consumers can enjoy longer shelf lives for fruit and vegetables, leading to less food being thrown away.
The GreenKeeper product range includes:
- Sachets: These small, easy-to-use sachets are placed inside packaging or storage areas to absorb excess ethylene.
- Blankets: GreenKeeper’s ethylene-absorbing blankets are placed over pallets or storage bins to reduce ethylene levels in bulk produce.
- Granules: The granules can be used in containers, bins, and storage areas to maintain the freshness of produce for longer periods.
BRCGS certification: a mark of quality and safety
GreenKeeper’s BRCGS (British Retail Consortium Global Standards) certification is a crucial aspect of its reliability and effectiveness. This certification ensures that GreenKeeper products meet the highest standards in food safety, quality, and traceability. BRCGS certification is recognised globally and is a critical benchmark for companies that supply food-related products to retailers.
For Naturpac, this certification provides assurance to customers that GreenKeeper products have passed rigorous testing and meet international food safety and quality standards. By partnering with GreenKeeper, Naturpac is reinforcing its commitment to providing sustainable, safe, and high-quality solutions to the Australian market.
Why GreenKeeper is important for Australian producers
Australia’s fresh produce industry faces unique challenges, from long transport times to the extreme climatic conditions in many regions. Fresh produce often travels long distances before reaching consumers, and without effective preservation, much of it spoils before it can be consumed. By introducing GreenKeeper to the Australian market, Naturpac is providing a solution to extend the shelf life of produce and reduce waste in a market that’s increasingly focused on sustainability and responsible consumption.
This partnership aligns with Naturpac’s ongoing commitment to sustainable packaging solutions, as it reduces the environmental impact of food waste while also ensuring that fresh produce reaches consumers in optimal condition. With GreenKeeper, retailers, wholesalers, and consumers can benefit from longer-lasting fruit and vegetables, reducing the need for frequent replenishment and ultimately leading to fewer food waste-related losses.
How GreenKeeper supports sustainability in fresh produce packaging
Naturpac’s commitment to sustainability is reflected not only in its packaging solutions but also in its efforts to tackle food waste. GreenKeeper’s role in extending the freshness of produce directly supports Naturpac’s mission to promote sustainability in the fresh produce industry.
By reducing food waste, GreenKeeper contributes to a circular economy where resources are kept in use for longer periods, reducing the need for excessive production and lowering the environmental footprint of the supply chain. With increased focus on reducing plastic waste, GreenKeeper also aligns with Naturpac’s ongoing efforts to create eco-friendly alternatives to conventional packaging. The combination of sustainable packaging and food waste reduction through GreenKeeper presents a powerful opportunity for the Australian food industry to move towards a more sustainable future.
Real-world applications and success stories
GreenKeeper has already made a significant impact in various markets across Europe, with proven success in prolonging the shelf life of produce such as bananas, avocados, and berries. The product’s ability to keep fruit and vegetables fresh for longer translates to fewer losses for retailers and less waste at the consumer level. By partnering with GreenKeeper, Naturpac is bringing this innovative solution to Australia, where food waste in fresh produce is a growing concern.
Consumer benefits: freshness that lasts
Consumers also stand to benefit from the GreenKeeper partnership. With fresh produce lasting longer, shoppers can enjoy fruit and vegetables at their peak ripeness without worrying as much about spoilage risks. This means fewer trips to the store, reduced grocery costs, and less food waste at home. GreenKeeper’s ability to extend the freshness of produce also allows for better meal planning and healthier eating habits, as consumers have access to longer-lasting produce without the need for preservatives or artificial additives.
The role of GreenKeeper in the broader sustainability movement
GreenKeeper is not just a product but a part of a larger movement towards sustainability in the food industry. As more businesses, governments, and consumers recognise the importance of reducing food waste, innovative solutions like GreenKeeper are playing a critical role in driving change. In partnership with Naturpac, GreenKeeper is helping Australian businesses lead the way in sustainable practices and food waste reduction.
Conclusion: a step towards a sustainable future
By adopting GreenKeeper, Naturpac is not only providing a solution to reduce food waste but also contributing to the broader sustainability efforts in the Australian food industry. The BRCGS certification ensures that GreenKeeper meets the highest standards for safety and quality, while its ability to extend the freshness of produce makes it a game-changer in the fight against food waste. As more businesses and consumers join the movement towards reducing food waste, GreenKeeper is poised to become an essential tool for maintaining freshness, reducing waste, and creating a more sustainable future for all.
