Impact of packaging reduction on the safety and durability of horticultural produceupervisor

Background

Recycling of packaging waste in Ireland has progressed over the last 20 years, increasing from 10% recycling in 1997 to a level of 68% presently. However, while Ireland has a high recycling rate of plastic packaging (36% against the EU average of 22%) sustainability development goals agreed in this area present a significant challenge to the industry that can only be achieved by significant intervention and research (Repak, 2018).

Objectives

The aim of this research project is to provide an evaluation of the impact that packaging reduction will have on the safety and shelf-life of horticultural products.
1. To define scenarios, based on previous knowledge of typical Irish transport, of horticultural products distribution (Joshi et al, 2018, Garvan, 2007).
2. To define packaging reduction interventions that may contribute to goals set by the national strategy for horticultural products.
3. To use predictive microbiology and quality models expertise to assess the spoilage, quality deterioration of horticultural export packaging reduction scenarios.
4. To contribute to the assessment of safety risks (i.e. Listeria monocytogenes) associated to horticultural products.
4. To estimate and experimentally validate horticultural waste produced.
5. To perform a comparative assessment with the baseline of individually packaged products and experimentally validate it.
6. To contribute towards the guidelines for durability display of horticultural products.