Posted on September, 17, 2024 at 07:19 am
On Thursday, the 11th edition of Propak West Africa 2024, themed "Unlocking Nigeria's Food Security: Implementation of Smart Packaging to Reduce Food Waste," concluded at the Landmark Centre in Lagos, Nigeria, leaving behind a wave of innovative ideas and solutions.
George Pearson, the Regional Director of Propak West Africa, noted that this year's theme directly tackles pressing food security issues, with a particular focus on reducing food waste in Nigeria.
Food waste in Nigeria is the silent storm overshadowing the nation’s food security. The World Bank reveals that Nigeria loses and wastes 40 per cent of its total food production each year. This accounts for 31 per cent of the country’s land use and adds 5 per cent to its greenhouse gas emissions, painting a stark picture of environmental and economic impact.
According to Pearson, innovation in packaging could be the key to extending shelf life and minimizing spoilage, thus offering a crucial solution to the challenges faced by the food sector.
The event attracted over 250 brands and 5,500 visitors from more than 35 countries, also showcasing pivotal trends that are shaping the future of manufacturing.
The exhibition program covered a broad range of topics, featuring sessions where stakeholders explored innovative approaches to sustainable packaging, advancements in cold chain technology to reduce post-harvest loss, e-commerce platforms for food distribution, and strategies for implementing sustainable packaging throughout the food supply chain.
The Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperative Trade, and Investment in Lagos State, Mrs Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, who also represented the Governor, highlighted the exhibition’s importance and its benefits to the business landscape.
“It is very apt at this time in terms of what they are providing, the exposure, and the injection of the right kind of world-class standards that are necessary for Africa, and particularly Lagos. We are at the forefront of trade, commerce, and exporting,” she stated.
Stakeholders stressed the need for green energy solutions, highlighting solar power as vital for reducing packaging industry costs and attracting investment.
Energy prices in Nigeria have been on a troubling upward trajectory, particularly for commonly used fuels like petrol and diesel, following the removal of fuel subsidy. Major companies in Nigeria spent about N635.2 billion on power generation and utilization in 2023 amidst rising energy costs.
With these costs, renewable energy was seen as key to improving financial viability and sustainability.
Additionally, food fraud emerged as a significant concern, with smart and intelligent packaging technologies proposed as solutions. These innovations aim to enhance food safety by improving traceability and reducing fraudulent practices.