OUGD601 | Sustainable Food Packaging Practical - Rationale/Synthesis

Synthesis for ‘is Sustainability in food packaging actually Sustainable?’

In the essay ‘Is Sustainability in food packaging actually sustainable?’ investigates if food packaging is truly eco-friendly to the environment. The research conducted in this essay clarifies how some food packaging is somewhat sustainable, and while some have limitations. Sustainable packaging is generally produced from sustainable materials using energy from renewable sources. In this consumer society, many products are sold with some form of packaging. From researching why not all food products have not altered into sustainable packaging is depending on what content is inside the product. Typically consumer’s foods must be able to maintain its quality and freshness. By alternating the packaging to a more eco-design can decrease the expiry date, causing this to become an issue. These type of food needs packaging that contain more than one layers of materials, this can protect and also preserve food, thus indicating challenges in terms of recycling.

Although the above is a matter, there are many alternative methods and materials to approach the sustainable procedures. These methods are of biodegradable, recyclable, edible, re-usable, multi-use and compostable materials. However, even though sustainable packaging is address in society, many consumers do not follow the sustainable approach. This is either to do with, if they know how and what to recycle, which materials can recycle, and some are just careless. In addition, there is a complication with both packaging and food waste. In food packaging the substance that is contained by the packaging cannot be recycle as the remaining food is left on the material. Some of these food substances can be washed off, however consumers are reluctant to clean off the remaining food

When researching, the book by Aaris Sherin. ‘Sustainble: A Handboook of Materials and Applications for Graphic Design and Their Clients’ page 22. The subject is based on the two authors and theorist, William McDonaugh and Michael Braungart proposed that proposed that products should be designed so that after their useful lives are over they can provide "nourishment" for something new. The authors see flawed design models rather than consumption as the most pressing problem. The authors believe in attitudes such as ‘less is more’ and importantly ‘Waste equals food’. The phrase ‘Waste equals food’ is the matter of the practical work that will be produce. For instance, ready-made sandwiches are highly popular as they are quick and convenient for consumers for purchase and eat. Despite, most sandwich packaging is made out paper, there is a plastic sleeve that is not recycle. Overall, by creating a sustainable packaging, which is able to recycle both material and food, waste will be efficient. Overall, the practical will conduct of producing a sustainable sandwich packaging that can be decompose and turn into a plant. For instance, the whole packaging is made out of paper and seeds. Once the sandwich is finished the paper with the seeds can be planted it will transform into a plant over time. Thus this conducts a cycle of ‘death, birth, and life’ and no food or material is wasted.