Green Food Packaging: The Intersection of Food Safety and Circular Economy
The seminar on next-generation food packaging technology emphasizes the importance of migration control and promoting circular economy in sustainable food production.
On October 28, 2026, in Hanoi, the Vietnam Association of Food Science and Technology (VINAFOSA), in collaboration with the National Institute for Food Control (NIFC), Tetra Pak Vietnam, and TH Group, held a seminar titled “Next-generation Food Packaging and Technology: Meeting Food Safety Requirements and Circular Economy Development.” Held on the occasion of VINAFOSA's 25th anniversary, the seminar focused on legal standards for food-contact materials, safety risks associated with packaging, and technical solutions for product life-cycle optimization.
As the F&B industry undergoes significant transformation, Mr. Bui Duc Lap, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Food Administration (Ministry of Health), affirmed that packaging serves as a critical checkpoint in ensuring food safety. He stated: “Risks related to chemical migration from packaging materials, environmental conditions, and material compatibility must be rigorously evaluated using scientific methods based on international technical standards.”
Dr. Nguyen Huy Hoang, representing Tetra Pak Vietnam, noted that the company employs a comprehensive approach to food safety. This approach goes beyond preventing chemical contamination and ensuring microbiological safety; it also encompasses hygienic machine design and brand risk management throughout the production lifecycle.
Beyond safety, sustainable consumption trends pose challenges for waste reduction. Mr. Pham The Quyen, R&D Director at TH Group, highlighted that approximately 60% of global plastic packaging is used in the food sector, with 90% becoming waste after a single use. By improving design and material usage, TH Group has successfully reduced plastic consumption by 600 tons per year and recovered over 21,000 tons of used beverage cartons since 2024 through the Packaging Recycling Organization Vietnam (PRO Vietnam).
In conclusion, VINAFOSA recommends that enterprises implement strict control processes for raw materials and packaging traceability. A next-generation green packaging ecosystem must harmonize innovative R&D, rigorous technical standards, and a firm commitment to environmental protection.