The Footprint of Food Packaging

I will buy foods with less packaging when I grocery shop. Fact: The carbon footprint of plastic (LDPE or PET, polyethylene) is about 6 kg CO2 per kg of plastic. – Source


Modern food packaging provides a way to make food safe, reliable, shelf-stable and clean. Unfortunately, most packaging is designed as single-use,  To minimise the negative effects of packaging on the environment, we need to reduce packaging waste.

The carbon footprint of plastic (LDPE or PET, polyethylene) is about 6 kg CO2 per kg of plastic

We can all help reverse this trend. When you shop:

  • carry a reusable water bottle and /or coffee cup with you
  • use reusable grocery bags
  • buy unpackaged food whenever possible
  • buy food that can be transported home in your own refillable container
  • when packaging is necessary, look for foods with the least packaging

According to the CBC Documentary  Plastic Wars the problem is only going to get worse. By 2050, it’s estimated the global production of plastic will triple. As the oil and gas industry — which provides the source materials for plastics — faces a future of declining demand for fuel, it has turned to other markets.


Return to New Challenges List