Looking at packaging in a new way to reduce food losses

Packaging performs a number of functions in the containment, protection, shipment, and selling of goods. The textbook definitions vary (Table 1), but whichever definition is used, the package is expected to provide a combination of protection and marketing roles. The complex set of requirements is poorly understood outside of the packaging community (and sometimes within that community), resulting in lost opportunities. Furthermore, these functions are sufficiently integrated, especially in the developed world, that they are not considered individually (Anonymous, 1998).