Impact of Food Manufacturing Technologies on the Environment and Society Impact of Food Manufacturing Technologies on the Environment Environmental issues important to packaging, storage and distribution can be grouped under these areas; Production Techniques Packaging Practices Waste Management PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES A large amount of energy is used for food processing and transportation. Many manufacturing plants also operate 24/7 and transport food items nationally and internationally using land, air and sea. The main energy used in the food manufacturing sector is non renewable. Such as; coal and oil. Gases released into the atmosphere during the production of such packaging products as glass, for example, contain more carbon dioxide than is released during the production of plastic packages and plastic is also recyclable. Air, land, water and noise pollution is all produced during food manufacture. Positive Impacts on the Environment Food manufacturers are aiming to reduce their impact on the environment by employing strategies such as; Reusing and recycling water. For example; some manufacturers reuse water from processing for irrigation of plant gardens. Reusing effluent (contaminated water) and other waste. Minimising the use and weight of packaging. Manufacturers are aiming to produce lighter and more efficiently shaped packages so that more can be transported at the same time.
The Aust. packaging industry has eliminated chlorofluorocarbons (CFC s) and replaced them with hydrofluorocarbons (HFC s). PACKAGING PRACTICES The Government s National Packaging Covenant explains specific requirements for manufacturers to become more environmentally accountable. For example; Coca Cola re designed their cans and plastic bottles in order to reduce their use of glass bottles. Large amounts of energy are used to manufacture/ shape glass containers/ bottles. Some food manufacturers over package their items. This leads to increased landfill and need for extra resources. Some packages are too large for the product they hold. For example; MAP snack foods (corn chips) have a great deal of head space. This leads to wastage of packaging materials. Foods are prepackaged and more materials than necessary are used. Thus, the consumer may find it difficult to judge the quality of the product and this leads to increased food wastage. For example; packaging mushrooms in a recycled paper bag is better than a shrink wrapped styrofoam tray. Positive Impacts on the Environment Major glass manufacturers recycle glass to make new products. This leads to a reduction in landfill. Many plastic bags are resealable. Lightweight plastic is being used instead of glass for packaging foods such as; honey and peanut butter. This is beneficial as less energy is needed to make plastic than to make glass. Tetra Pak laminates can be recycled. Some food manufacturers are employing waste management companies to help manage their waste. Use of biodegradable packaging. This is packaging that will decompose through the action of microorganisms in a reasonable length of time.
WASTE MANAGEMENT A large amount of waste is generated in the food manufacturing sector. Most food wastes are considered to be biodegradable, but when these wastes are gathered from hundreds of industries, this disturbs the ecological balance will be upset. Many packaging materials are non biodegradable and cannot be broken down by natural factors.
Positive Impacts on the Environment A large amount of manufacturers are recycling their waste. See table below. 70% of packaging paper is recycled into other products. 65% of aluminium is recycled. 41% of glass is recycled into new packages. Impact of Food Manufacturing Technologies on Society Positive Impacts on Society Convenience Foods Catering for Lifestyle Changes Production of convenience packaging and convenience foods has enabled Australians to enjoyed increased leisure time. Food preparation skills are becoming limited for many people due to lack of time, so convenience foods are becoming a major solution. Food solutions are being produced to suit family members that may eat at different times or who have a wide variety of tastes. Examples would include; single serve and fully prepared microwave meals. Increased awareness for health has seen the production of health foods such as low fat, high fibre foods.
Some manufacturers are attempting to cater to the busy lifestyle person by offering products such as; breakfast bars or stir fry kits that are convenient but also deemed healthy. Increased multiculturalism has seen a huge increase in multicultural food products available. Employment Opportunities Many employment opportunities are available to meet the rapid changes and improvements in packaging design, manufacturing techniques and materials. Nutritional Implications Food manufacturers are aiming to improve the nutritional quality of processed foods. Combined pressure from consumers, advisory groups and nutritionists has led to the introduction of corporate nutrition policies. Corporate nutrition policies sets out the nutritional strategies the company will use when developing food products, conducting R&D and marketing to the consumer. Negative Impacts on Society Convenience Foods Catering for Lifestyle Changes A large number of people rely on convenience foods and may lose interest in cooking or preparing meals from scratch. This will lead to a loss in cooking skills. Employment Opportunities Increased use of technology and sophisticated machinery may replace the need for unskilled workers. Nutritional Implications Convenience foods are not as nutritious as natural/ fresh foods. Convenience meals have been processed, resulting in nutrient loss. In addition, a large amount of additives and preservatives have been added to increase the shelf life of the food.