The business of online delivery for frozen food is increasing. However, traditional expanded polystyrene (EPS) delivery packaging is not environmentally friendly.
The production of EPS raises significant environmental concerns due to its reliance on toxic chemicals like styrene and benzene. Moreover, EPS is not biodegradable nor recyclable, and takes up a significant volume in landfills. Compounding the issue, the lightweight and brittle nature of EPS causes it to break into small particles that are dispersed by the wind, ultimately contaminating the environment and exacerbating microplastic pollution in aquatic ecosystems.
“Cold chain” is a term that references the management of temperature for perishable products in order to maintain quality and safety from the point of origin through the distribution chain to the final consumer.
General Mills is seeking technologies to replace the use of expanded polystyrene (EPS) delivery packaging for frozen food. Potential solutions include better infrastructure and refrigeration equipment, optimized logistics, and new or novel delivery packaging.
- Improvements to infrastructure / refrigeration equipment
- Optimized “cold chain” logistics
- Novel delivery packaging materials or designs
- Compatible with deep freeze storage (- 50 degrees)
- Provides thermal stability during the period of delivery, i.e. food should remain frozen inside the package at room temperature
- Packaging materials should be sustainable
- Technology should be ready to implement in 2024
- Reasonable cost
General Mills is committed to making food with passion and putting people first by delivering the tastes they love while improving the nutrient density, affordability, and accessibility of our products. We collaborate with scientists, universities, companies, and organizations around the world to strengthen our impact and bring our purpose to life.
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