Adolfo Orive, Tetra Pak president and CEO.
A global survey by Tetra Pak, in partnership with Ipsos, has found that food safety is a major issue for society.
The Tetra Pak Index, in its 13th edition, has seen a 10% increase in global concern about food safety and future food supplies, now at 40%, compared to 30% from 2019. In addition, more than 50% of consumers not only believe that improving food safety is the responsibility of manufacturers, they see it as the number one issue that companies need to tackle now and in the future.
According to the research, health is also deeply connected to heightened issues of food safety and hygiene, with two thirds of consumers saying that being healthy is being safe and 60% of consumers globally saying they worry about the food they buy being hygienic sand safe.
When asked about packaging, respondents expressed concerns about environmental innovations in packaging impacting food safety. However, the majority of respondents still indicate ‘using sustainable packaging’ as one of the top issues food and beverage brands need to tackle – today and into the future.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the status quo, accelerated trends and created a new landscape of consumer needs and opportunities for companies to build on,” says Adolfo Orive, president and CEO at Tetra Pak.
“In particular, the industry needs to address the growing dilemma around food safety and the environment, stepping up towards the twin goals of meeting the human need for food while protecting our planet’s ecosystem. This is where food packaging can play a strong role in bringing about harmony.
“Working closely with our customers and stakeholders, we are already on a journey to create the ultimate sustainable food package – a carton package that is made solely from responsibly sourced renewable or recycled materials, is fully recyclable and carbon-neutral, allowing ambient distribution and meeting food safety requirements. We see this as a critical step in building a sustainable future for the next generation, especially in the aftermath of COVID-19.”
The Tetra Pack Index 2020 also highlights how food waste is rising up the agenda and is now seen as a concern by more than three-quarters (77%) of respondents.
