Food Waste

London Climate Action Week (June 2026) saw NGOs from around the world outlining a series of commitments to inform fresh political commitments on food loss.

Plastic is much better than paper1 for protecting food from damage and contamination.2

NGOs, governments, and the food industry should take a look at some of the recent developments in plastics technology which will help to reduce food-waste and should be made mandatory. See www.d2p.net

ETHYLENE ADSORBING TECHNOLOGY — EXTENDING FRESHNESS & REDUCING WASTE

Fresh produce naturally emits ethylene, a plant hormone that accelerates ripening and spoilage. In sealed packaging, ethylene accumulation can significantly shorten shelf life.

Ethylene Adsorbing Technology removes ethylene from the packaging environment, slowing ripening and extending freshness.

Benefits include:

• longer shelf life for fruit, vegetables, and flowers

• reduced food waste across retail and supply chains

• improved product quality during transport and storage

• compatibility with existing packaging formats

This is particularly valuable for export markets where long transit times demand reliable freshness‑preserving solutions.

ANTI‑INSECT TECHNOLOGIES — PROTECTING FOOD, PACKAGING & AGRICULTURE

Insects such as Indian Meal Moth and grain moths cause major losses in food storage and agriculture. A single female can lay up to 400 eggs, and infestations can escalate rapidly, leading to contamination, waste, and costly disposal.

d2p Natural Anti‑Insect masterbatch provides long‑lasting, food‑safe protection by preventing insects from penetrating packaging or damaging agricultural systems.

Enhanced protection for packaging

In flexible packaging, multilayer films, and PP woven sacks, d2p Anti-insect forms a protective barrier that deters insects from landing on, breeding in, or boring through the material. This is especially valuable for:

• rice, flour, pulses, and grain

• dry pet food

• spices and high‑value commodities

• export packaging with long transit times

Field trials in India showed that PP woven bags containing d2p Natural AI remained completely free of insects for 90 days, while control bags showed clear infestation.

Advanced performance in drip tapes and irrigation systems

In agriculture, insects can puncture drip tapes and irrigation pipes, causing leaks, water loss, and crop stress. d2p anti-insect prevents these insects from attacking the drip-tape or thin-walled pipe, reducing maintenance costs and improving the efficient use of valuable water — a critical advantage in water‑stressed regions.

This technology directly supports global sustainability goals by reducing food waste, improving food safety, and protecting natural resources.

ANTIMICROBIAL TECHNOLOGY — SAFER SURFACES, LONGER SHELF LIFE

Plastic surfaces used for food-preparation are vulnerable to microbial growth, which can cause odours, staining, degradation, and contamination. d2p AM provides long‑lasting antimicrobial protection for both food packaging and high‑touch consumer and industrial products.

Approved by the FDA and Health Canada for bread packaging, d2p AM delivers a >99.999% kill rate with no migration into food and no impact on clarity, strength, or other properties of the packaging.

Ideal for:

• bread packaging

• chopping boards

• reusable crates

• food-processing conveyor belts

By preventing microbial growth, d2p AM reduces food waste, extends product lifespan, and supports safer, cleaner environments.