Environmental impact of packaging of organic vegetables and fruit in Norway

摘要

The packaging and distribution of organic fruits and vegetables in Norway is a big challenge becausethe products are often very perishable, the turnover of these products is low and the transport distancesare high. The packaging solution and distribution systems must be optimalized to meet the challenges posedby these conditions. This study has revealed high wastage rates for some products and also a high environmentalimpact which both can be linked to a poorly functioning packaging solution. A new and more optimalpackaging solution was found. Using just a bag rather than a tray and flowpack solution drastically reducesthe environmental impact. Using a laserperforated film with holes of a specified diameter and placementcause build-up of CO2 and reduction of O2 levels in package which leads to a better preservation of quality instorage tests. Choice of packaging materials is also important, in this case PP functioned much better thanPLA. Respiration rates reveal that the inherent properties of organic products are not necessarily identical tothose of their conventional counterparts. Thus a packaging that performs well for a conventional product isnot always suited for an organic variety. The methodology used in this project works well for the design ofnew packaging solutions. The combination of environmental analyses and quality tests increases the possibilityof finding packaging solutions that can strike a balance between environmental and quality concerns.