The role of packaging for Australian fresh produce

Globally, it is estimated that over US$1.2 trillion of food is lost or wasted across the food supply chain, equivalent to 1.6 billion tons of food per annum. an estimated 7.3 million tonnes across the entire Australian supply and consumption chain. Fresh produce is a vital component of human health. Yet many Australian adults fail to meet national guidelines on fresh produce consumption, risking adverse health effects. Therefore, it is imperative for strategies to be deployed which ensure access for consumers to fresh, nutritious food, rather than allowing it to be wasted. Packaging plays an important role in the integrity and protection of food as it travels through supply chains from farm, through retail, to plate.