In the “COVID-19 and the Food Safety–Environment Dilemma” report, the number of respondents saying they believe that food sustainability is a “major issue” is the same as those saying that COVID-19 is a “real threat.” At the same time, concern for the environment remains strikingly high[2].

That is a dilemma for consumers to balance the critical priorities of human existence through safe food and the sustainability of the planet we live on. Egypt is part of that dilemma, and its ability to strike the right balance is vital to sustainability.

The Tetra Pak Index, in its 13th edition, has seen a 10% increase in global concern about food safety and future food supplies, now at 40%, compared to 30% from 2019. In addition, more than 50% of consumers not only believe that improving food safety is the responsibility of manufacturers, they see it as the number one issue that companies need to tackle now and in the future. According to this year’s research, health is deeply connected to heightened issues of food safety and hygiene: with two-thirds of consumers saying that being healthy is being safe and60% of consumers globally saying they worry about the food they buy being hygienic and safe.

When asked what is key for them in a package, consumers indicate that ensuring food safety is its main purpose. They also express concerns about environmental innovations in packaging impacting food safety, even though the majority of respondents indicate ‘using sustainable packaging’ as one of the top issues food and beverage brands need to tackle – today and tomorrow.

Wael Khoury, Managing Director of Tetra Pak Egypt Area: “The challenges that COVID-19 brought are immense. It accelerated trends and is permanently changing consumer needs, creating new opportunities for companies. Among them is the growing dilemma around food safety and the environment. This is where Tetra Pak and the food packaging industry, in general, have a vital role in bringing about that right balance.

Working closely with our customers and stakeholders, we are already on a journey to create the ultimate sustainable food package – a carton package that is made solely from responsibly sourced renewable or recycled materials, is fully recyclable, and carbon-neutral, allowing ambient distribution and meeting food safety requirements. We see this as a critical step in building a sustainable future for the next generation, especially in the aftermath of COVID-19.”

The Tetra Pak Index 2020 also highlights how food waste is rising up the agenda and this is now seen as a concern by more than three-quarters of respondents. The impact of COVID-19 on supply chains has accelerated awareness of food waste as a pressing issue. There is a likelihood that this sentiment will grow going forward, as the world strives to feed its growing population. Consumers cite food waste reduction as both the number one environmental issue they can influence themselves and one of the top three priorities for manufacturers. But confusing labeling is a barrier, offering brands a chance for better communication.

Dan Esty, Hillhouse Professor at Yale University, comments: “This year’s Tetra Pak Index highlights emerging consumer and social concerns that we see increasingly mirrored by academic research. With a growing global population set to require up to 70% more food by 2050, at a time when biodiversity, climate change and food security are becoming ever more pressing, there is an urgent need for change. Bold initiatives such as those taken by Tetra Pak to rethink future food packaging are therefore the need of the hour.”