As part of London Climate Action Week, KluraLabs™ convened a dynamic roundtable at Goals House, bringing together leading voices in sustainability, science, and policy to explore how we can radically transform the way food moves through our system, from farm to fridge.
Guiding the discussion was Henry Dimbleby, co-founder of Leon and architect of the UK’s National Food Strategy. Widely recognised for his work on sustainable food policy, Dimbleby called for an integrated approach to food systems that addresses breakdowns across the entire chain, including the often-overlooked final stretch: the home.
“The biggest inefficiencies in our food system aren’t always where we expect,”
said Charlie Hobhouse, CEO of KluraLabs.
“By the time food reaches your fridge, its shelf life has already been compromised. We’re tackling that problem with smart materials that extend freshness and reduce spoilage because what happens after purchase is just as critical as what happens before.”
Rewiring the system for innovation and accountability
Moderated by Louisa Burwood-Taylor, Managing Editor of AgFunder, the conversation brought together a cross-sector mix of stakeholders, from regenerative farmers to major retailers. What united them was a shared urgency: if we are to halve food waste and cut supply chain emissions, then scalable innovation must be paired with real accountability.
Adele Jones, Executive Director at the Sustainable Food Trust, spoke to the policy changes required to drive systemic impact:
“Businesses need to be brought to account for the destructive externalities they cause but that are not under punished yet by regulation”
From innovation to impact
KluraLabs’ work in material science and food preservation was a focal point, demonstrating how intelligent packaging can play a critical role in reducing waste and enhancing food system resilience.
The roundtable concluded with a shared call to action: reinventing the food system requires more than innovation, it requires unified ambition. Farmers, manufacturers, scientists, policymakers, and consumers must work together to close the loop on waste and build a system that serves people and planet alike.
Implications for packaging and food waste innovation
Reducing food waste demands action across the supply chain, but packaging is emerging as one of the most powerful tools for change. Beyond branding, it plays a critical role in preserving quality, extending shelf life, and reducing the need for chemical preservatives in the food itself.
New packaging technologies, from coatings to modified atmospheres, are helping to cut losses both before and after the point of sale. These innovations support cleaner labels, longer-lasting food at home, and greater satisfaction for consumers, all while reducing emissions and resource waste.
To unlock their full impact, solutions must be cost-effective, scalable, and compatible with existing systems. The next generation of food packaging can help build a food system that is not only more sustainable, but also more resilient, equitable and capable of meeting global nutrition needs through smarter use of resources and technology.
