By Dr. Anu Kumar

India faces a paradox. We waste enormous amounts of food, yet struggle with food security. At the same time, plastic packaging—used to protect food—has become a major environmental threat.
These two problems are often discussed separately. They should not be.

Advances in biotechnology now allow us to rethink food packaging itself. Materials derived from natural and microbial sources can replace conventional plastics. When designed carefully, such packaging can protect food, reduce spoilage, and degrade naturally after use.

In my years of academic work, I have seen how research moves from laboratory benches to real-world solutions—slowly but steadily. Smart and biodegradable packaging is one such solution waiting for wider acceptance.

For a country with diverse climates and long distribution networks, packaging that responds to temperature, moisture, or spoilage can significantly reduce losses. More importantly, it can reduce our dependence on petroleum-based plastics.Policy support, industry participation, and academic research must move together. Sustainability cannot remain a slogan; it must become a system.

Saving food and protecting the environment are not competing goals. Science has already shown us a way to address both—if we choose to act.

(Writer is Associate Professor Biotechnology Department, Chandigarh University, Mohali, Punjab)