Experts have said appropriate packaging has a significant impact in improving food quality and safety, thereby reducing food losses, whilst enhancing the competitiveness of Africa’s agro-enterprises and boosting trade.

Food losses and waste are an enormous drain on natural resources.

Roughly one-third of the annual food produced globally for human consumption, approximately 1.3 billion tonnes, is lost or wasted.

These losses are particularly unfortunate in Africa where approximately 20 percent of the population is undernourished.

Furthermore, packaging plays a key role in improving the marketing of produce and is an important part of a strategy to enhance competitiveness of small and medium agro-enterprises (SMAEs).

At a regional packaging meeting being held as a prelude to the World Export Development Forum, experts have defined packaging priorities for the continent

Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Christopher Yaluma notes that better packaging, traceability and labeling is necessary to enhance the quality and safety of products.

Mr. Yaluma says new entrepreneurs want to grow businesses that are both profitable and sustainable, reflecting the aspirations of their customers in Africa as well as buyers throughout the world.

And Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Representative in Zambia George Okech also notes that that poor packaging is one of the key constraints facing small and medium agro-enterprises, who in aggregate manufacture the bulk of locally processed food products on the continent.

“Improving packaging systems will contribute to strengthening the entire food supply chain, improve the competitiveness of these enterprises and benefit all food chain actors and consumers,” he said.

Meanwhile, International Trade Center (ITC) Deputy Executive Director, Dorothy Tembo, noted that packaging is recently hitting the headlines for the wrong reasons.

Ms Tembo says its contribution to pollution is leading to very negative consumer reactions, particularly to single-use, non-recyclable plastics.

“Production lines can be adapted at minimal cost to reduce waste, pollution and your carbon footprint, whilst improving overall profitability and the attractiveness of your products. African Enterprises must lead in green packaging for Africa to keep its natural environment whilst bolstering opportunities for its people”, she said.