Maureen Gahan, Foodservice Specialist, Bord Bia – Irish Food Board

This week Bord Bia’s Insights Team introduced their latest update on the Responsible Living Consumer Lifestyle Trends. Full information is available on our micro site here; with War on Waste resonating as one of the key sub-themes.

Consumers are increasingly frustrated with products that leave them to deal with large amounts of waste. It is now an expectation that products are easily recyclable/repurposable, and designed to involve less waste in the first place.

A great example of the War on Waste theme in action is Marks&Spencer’s recent announcement that avocados with laser-printed barcodes are going on sale as part of a drive to reduce paper waste. According to M&S, the labels, which are etched onto the fruit’s skin instead of stickers, will save 10 tonnes of paper and five tonnes of glue every year!

This technique could be introduced by other supermarkets to other fruit and vegetables in the ongoing drive for new waste reduction techniques.

Earlier this year, a separate example addressing the same theme, saw some of Britain’s biggest coffee shop chains signing up to a scheme to boost recycling of takeaway cups – in direct response to growing public concern at the 2.5billion coffee cups thrown away each year in the UK.

Costa, Pret A Manger and Starbucks are among those who will pay for recycling points in their central London stores. Further recycling points, funded by sponsors, will be placed on streets and in train stations.

From a food & beverage manufacturer’s point of view, it’s important to consider how you can help individual consumers live responsibly on a day to day basis through changes to your product and packaging.

For more information contact maureen.gahan@bordbia.ie