Sealed Air Corp : Sealed Air Addresses Sustainability and Food Safety and Security at World Packaging Forum
07/11/2012| 07:35am US/Eastern

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Company outlines three critical issues for
global food supply chain
Sealed Air (NYSE: SEE) presented the importance of food safety and
security and the critical need to assess the impact of food waste and
product damage when assessing overall sustainability at the 2nd World
Packaging Forum.
The widely attended forum, organized by the China Packaging Federation,
focused on the sustainable development of the packaging industry in
China. Speaking on behalf of Sealed Air and AMERIPEN, Dr. Ronald
Cotterman, Vice President of Sustainability at Sealed Air, stressed the
importance of packaging innovation across the food supply chain and
collaboration with groups such as the China Packaging Federation and
AMERIPEN. The China Packaging Federation is China's leading trade
organization for the packaging industry and AMERIPEN is a trade
association in North America that advocates and educates on issues
related to packaging and the environment.
In emphasizing packaging performance, Cotterman illustrated examples of
food packaging innovations that have resulted in reduced waste and
greater security among food manufacturers, retailers and consumers. He
said that while packagers and food processors focus on raw material
diversification, recycling and lighter weight packaging, packaging
performance must remain a priority for the entire industry.
"As part of our SmartLife™ initiative at Sealed Air, we look to offer
packaging solutions that maximize protection while reducing costs and
environmental impacts through the entire supply chain. One way we do
this is through life cycle analysis, which looks beyond the package and
considers the entire value chain and the broader life cycle of a
product, which involves sourcing, distribution, use and even disposal.
Most importantly, we consider the impact of product damage or food
waste," Cotterman said.
According to Li Xin, Sealed Air's Vice President, North Asia, "Our
Cryovac® brand packaging extends food shelf life and provides convenient
consumer portioning. In addition, total-seal packaging secures food
from drips and cross contamination in the supply chain and improves
traceability, thus enhancing food safety, which is a high priority in
China's development programs."
A topic of particular interest at the forum was the global demand for
food as populations increase and how to effectively feed the world
nutritiously, safely and sustainably.
"There is a growing need to address the most pressing issues facing our
food supply, namely food safety, food waste and food access," said
Cotterman. "With regard to waste, although we are more conscious of the
impact our actions have on the environment, one third of the edible food
produced on our planet is never consumed." The food we waste:
-
Ends up in landfills where it rots and produces significant
environmental impacts by releasing methane gas into the atmosphere;
-
Translates into lost profits for processors and retailers, as well as
higher prices for consumers; and
-
Could otherwise have gone to help feed the millions of people who go
undernourished every day.
For these reasons, Cotterman said it is vital to consider the role
packaging plays in reducing waste when addressing sustainability.
Packaging can extend product quality life, provide effective product
protection from damage, enhance food safety and reduce consumer waste
where a majority of food waste is generated.
In addition to packaging, Sealed Air is a leader in health and hygiene
products. Through its Diversey™ and Cryovac® brands, the Company has
committed to a path of invention to help the world increase access to
food, keep it fresh and make it safe and secure.
About Sealed Air
Sealed Air is a global leader in food safety and security, facility
hygiene and product protection. With widely recognized and inventive
brands such as Bubble Wrap® brand cushioning, Cryovac® brand
food packaging solutions and DiverseyTM brand cleaning and
hygiene solutions, Sealed Air offers efficient and sustainable solutions
that create business value for customers, enhance the quality of life
for consumers and provide a cleaner and healthier environment for future
generations. On a pro forma basis, Sealed Air generated revenue of $8.1
billion in 2011, and has approximately 26,300 employees who serve
customers in 175 countries. To learn more, visit www.sealedair.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Company statements in this press release may be forward-looking. These
statements include comments as to future events that may affect the
Company, which are based upon management's current expectations and are
subject to uncertainties, many of which are outside the Company's
control. Forward-looking statements can be identified by such words as
"anticipates," "expects," "will" and similar expressions. A variety of
factors may cause actual results to differ materially from these
expectations, including: economic conditions affecting packaging
utilization; changes in raw material costs; currency translation
effects; and legal proceedings. For more extensive information, see
"Risk Factors" and "Cautionary Notice Regarding Forward-Looking
Statements," which appear in our most recent annual report on Form 10-K,
as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and as may be
revised and updated by our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current
reports on Form 8-K.

Sealed Air Corporation
Ken Aurichio, 201-791-7600
Ken.aurichio@sealedair.com
© Business Wire 2012
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