By Dong Chunming
The author* is General Manager of Sunlight Metal Consulting (Beijing) as well as the coordinator in China of the Global Aluminium Foil Roller Initiative (GLAFRI.) Here he gives a personal view on how various types of aluminium containers can be used in the fight to control the spread of COVID-19. He explains how they can offer supply chain security for both medical staff and those suffering from the virus, as well as ensuring food quality, variety and nutrition.
In order to fight the spread of COVID-19 it is important to provide good logistics support, which ensures protection from exposure to the virus for frontline medical staff, as well as safeguarding their own and patients’ food and beverage supplies.
During this unusual period we need to consider not only the quality and palatability of foods, but also ensure safety aspects, such as protection from bacterial contamination. So distribution in areas affected by the pandemic is an important consideration, as is the efficiency of food production and the packaging. Other things to be considered include the disinfection and disposal of the growing amounts of food related waste. There should be a comprehensive solution which also takes into account aspects such as sustainability. Whether these foods and beverages are pre-cooked or fresh for transportation to the place of consumption, or being prepared ‘on site’ for canteen dining, these same issues need to be considered.