The establishment of a more sustainable dairy industry, the embrace of alternative proteins, and the deployment of technologies aimed at minimising food waste in the production process are all key factors in expediting the transformation of food systems, according to a new report by Tetra Pak.
This builds upon the packaging giant’s involvement in the Global Dairy Processing Task Force, which is part of the broader ‘Pathways to Dairy Net Zero’ climate initiative.
‘A viable future’
“Transforming food systems is crucial for a viable future,” commented Charles Brand, executive vice president for processing solutions and equipment, Tetra Pak.
“Food systems are also failing people, with 9% of the world’s population going hungry and 30% experiencing malnutrition. In addition, food value chains are driving deforestation and biodiversity loss, and are estimated to be the second most critical avenue to addressing climate change, behind energy.”
Four key pathways
Tetra Pak has outlined four key pathways aimed at expediting the transformation of food systems, along with the establishment of roadmaps and measurable targets for each pathway, in accordance with recommendations set forth by the Food and Land Use Coalition. These pathways include:
- Enabling the transition to a more sustainable dairy industry by addressing the environmental impact of dairy processing and supporting the productivity, profitability, and livelihoods of smallholder farmers.
- Innovating for new food sources, including diversifying with alternative proteins to complement traditional dairy and animal protein sources.
- Reducing food loss and waste by developing food processing technologies that minimise waste during production. This involves creating solutions to repurpose low-value side streams into value-added products. Tetra Pak emphasises the role of aseptic packaging solutions in extending the shelf life of perishable foods.
- Scaling access to safe nutrition through sustainable food packaging. This involves designing and deploying packaging solutions that preserve food quality and enhance access to safe food.
This announcement aligns with Tetra Pak’s release of a white paper, developed in collaboration with EY Parthenon, which explores the critical criteria for sustainable food systems, focusing on the year 2040.
