SDG 2: Zero Hunger | SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | SDG 13: Climate Action
Ministry of Agriculture | ICAR
A January 2026 APEC report titled Workshop on Reducing Food Loss and Waste through Packaging Innovations and Progress Review of FLW in the APEC Region highlights that approximately one-third of all food produced globally is lost or wasted, contributing significantly to economic inefficiency and greenhouse gas emissions. In the APEC region, which accounts for over half of global GDP, reducing Food Loss and Waste (FLW) is a critical priority for ensuring regional food security. The report identifies the “mid-term” of the supply chain—specifically processing, packaging, and distribution—as the most effective intervention point for technological and policy-driven reductions.
Packaging as a Catalyst for Preservation Packaging innovations are moving beyond simple containment to active preservation roles:
Active and Intelligent Packaging: Technologies such as oxygen scavengers, moisture regulators, and time-temperature indicators (TTIs) are being deployed to extend shelf life and monitor real-time food quality.
Biodegradable and Bio-based Materials: The shift toward compostable materials aims to reduce the environmental footprint of packaging while maintaining the protective barriers necessary to prevent spoilage.
Standardization of Date Labeling: Clarifying the distinction between “use-by” and “best-before” dates is identified as a vital consumer education tool to prevent the premature disposal of safe food.
Regional Collaboration and Progress Review The APEC Agricultural Technical Cooperation Working Group has established a monitoring framework to evaluate the progress of member economies against the APEC Roadmap on FLW Reduction. This involves:
Knowledge Exchange: Workshops facilitate the transfer of low-cost packaging solutions suitable for small-scale producers in developing economies.
Data Harmonization: Member economies are encouraged to adopt standardized metrics for measuring loss at different stages of the value chain to identify localized “hotspots”.
Policy Relevance
While India is an observer/partner in various APEC initiatives, the report’s findings on packaging are directly applicable to the Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana.
Infrastructure for Perishables: Adopting APEC-standard intelligent packaging can significantly reduce the 15–20% wastage seen in India’s fruit and vegetable sectors.
Export Competitiveness: Aligning with regional packaging standards for “active preservation” ensures that Indian agricultural exports meet the rigorous quality and sustainability requirements of high-value markets.
Resource Efficiency: Implementing the report’s “circular packaging” recommendations supports India’s Plastic Waste Management Rules by encouraging the use of agricultural waste as raw material for bio-packaging.
Follow the full report here: Workshop on Reducing Food Loss and Waste through Packaging Innovations and Progress Review of FLW in the APEC Region