The Flexible Packaging Association (FPA) is pleased to announce a new infographic that highlights how flexible packaging is helping to keep food fresher and prevent food waste.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, approximately 40% of food is not consumed. The annual amount of food waste is 36 million tons, which is worth $162 billion.

The typical American family throws away 40% of fresh meat, fish, and poultry purchased; 51% of dairy and fruit purchased; and 44% of fresh vegetables purchased.

When packaged in flexible packaging, the shelf life of green beans extends from 7 days to 19 days. Some other examples of shelf life extension for food, when packaged in flexible packaging, include grapes, from 7 days to 70 days; broccoli from 6 days to 20 days; steak from 3 days to 20 days; and cheese from 190 days to 280.

For more information on the FPA, and how flexible packaging helps to fight food waste, visit our website, www.flexpack.org. The full infographic can be downloaded below.