Thursday, October 23, 2025
Save FoodPerfectly imperfect

Perfectly imperfect

-

Perfectly imperfect

-

(Not) so nice!
The wonky veg – packaged carrots, parsnips and cucumbers – that is sold at some Tesco stores (UK supermarket chain) probably wouldn’t win a beauty contest. But, starting in 2016, this is precisely what is currently on offer at 200 selected supermarkets, targeting customers who are price-conscious, environment-conscious and socially aware. The products are indeed a bit wonky, come in different colours and are occasionally on the small side – qualities which most of us would regard as unattractive, so that we wouldn’t necessarily make them our first choice. However, these products are perfectly alright and indeed edible. In fact, quite often they get thrown away unnecessarily.

The supermarket giant actually started its first wonky fruit campaign a while ago, in 2013, when it wanted to encourage more sustainability and social responsibility. However, the sale of wonky fruit and veg isn’t Tesco’s only project on this issue. The group has generally been working hard to achieve a marked reduction in its 50,000 tonnes of food waste, created annually by its stores. According to Tesco’s own estimates, 30,000 tonnes of this total is still edible. Working together with the FareShare FoodCloud network, any surplus food that cannot be sold at a supermarket is given to local charities.

Global awareness
The new product range is Tesco’s response to a global trend which has been at the focus of the packaging industry for several years now. According to estimates by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), 1.3 billion tonnes of food is lost each year.

One way to solve the dilemma is through packaging that protects the product from getting spoiled, and this is currently the purpose of a joint international project set up by FAO, UNEPand Messe Düsseldorf. Operating as the SAVE FOOD initiative and together with industry and various organisations, its members support projects and research work that helps to reduce food losses and waste.

Well protected – thanks to the right packaging
The most basic function of any packaging is to protect the product it contains. And this is something it has done quite reliably for over 5,000 years, regardless of the material. Yet today’s innovative packaging clearly goes one step further. So-called active packaging, for instance, regulates the level of humidity within the packaging, thus preventing the formation of germs. Integrated absorbers can neutralise undesirable putrefaction gases, and intelligent nano-sensors on the packaging can even indicate whether the product is still fresh and edible.

Mahan Hazarika
Mahan Hazarika
Mahan Hazarika assumes the role of Editor at The Packman, a position he has held since 2017, reflecting a distinguished decade-long tenure specializing in journalism within the printing and packaging sectors. Beyond his professional realm, he nurtures a deep appreciation for music, travel, and films, finding inspiration and relaxation in these pursuits.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Latest news

Coca-Cola HBC to acquire Coca-Cola Beverages Africa

Coca-Cola HBC has entered into a definitive sale and purchase agreement to acquire a 75% shareholding in Coca-Cola Beverages...

Mondi and Südwestdeutsche Salzwerke strengthen collaboration in salt packaging

Mondi is strengthening its long-standing partnership with Südwestdeutsche Salzwerke, one of Europe’s top salt producers. Known for the iconic...

Heidelberg India signs MOU with Sri Kaliswari Group to launch MK Masterwork Demo and Training Center

On 15 October 2025, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Thomas Frank, managing director, Heidelberg Asia Pacific, and...

Asahi Photoproducts to host second AWP Environment Event at CIIE 2025 in Shanghai

Asahi Photoproducts, a leader in sustainable flexographic plate technology and a division of Asahi Kasei, will exhibit at the...
- Advertisement -spot_img

New president, vice-president, board members and re-elections at GRA

The Global Rotogravure Association (GRA) is pleased to announce the election of new officers and board members during its...

Amcor announces operational launch of new MDO line in Peru

Amcor, a global leader in developing and producing responsible packaging solutions, announced the installation and operational readiness of a...

Must read

Vinsak to display its range of products at PrintExpo 2023 in Chennai

Vinsak will showcase its maximum capabilities at the forthcoming...

SB Packaging achieves defect free, high quality print output with DetectAXIS

Background SB Packaging, established in 1992, is one of India’s...

You might also likeRELATED
Recommended to you