The food packaging industry has its hands full with focus on improved supply chain resiliency, sustainability pulls toward store-drop-off flexible film recycling, and food waste prevention. While these are important initiatives, clean packaging—a nice "to-do" about 15 years ago—is now a "must-do." The good news is that action is possible and is in alignment with efforts to move the dial on climate change and create a more sustainable food system.
While clean packaging is moving to the top of the agenda for many brands and packaging converters, it is important to recognize that since we have "kicked the can down the road" on clean packaging for many years, a high level of commitment and resources is now needed. Now is the time for action. We can regain focus on the first function of packaging: to protect food. This is a fast-moving area, and this summary provides a glimpse into the severity of the issue and offers hope that we can work together to make the world a better place. This summary covers the background, addresses why action is needed now, and uses per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and phthalates as examples of the complexities. The final section covers recommendations for brands and packaging converters.