CORAL GABLES, FL - Tropical produce importer Fyffes has announced its support for new global regulations that will limit the sulfur content in all marine fuels to 0.5 percent, starting January 1, 2020. This step in the eco-friendly direction is reflective of the company’s commitment to managing its carbon footprint and general sustainability practices.

“We strongly support the need for the IMO 2020 sulfur regulations because they are directly linked to our Sustainability Strategy and one of our four pillars—stewardship for the planet,” said Jeronimo Poggio, Shipping Director. “The regulations will help reduce carbon emissions, as well as reduce acid rain, which can harm agricultural crops, including our fruit. Importantly, there is also a positive human impact by reducing illnesses and deaths caused by sulfur emissions impacting people living near ports. We are committed to providing the highest quality fruit at an affordable price for consumers, while ensuring that our business is a sustainable one; for our growers, the local communities, as well as the planet.”

Fyffes is dedicated to bringing the highest quality fruit to the market, while at the same time maintaining the highest environmental and sustainability standards across its operations. For this reason, the company is committed to collaborating with its supply partners to protect the world’s natural resources by supporting and meeting the new regulation standards established by the International Maritime Organization, according to the press release.

As part of the company’s drive towards sustainability, Fyffes has supported programs like Global GAP, the Sustainable Agriculture Network (Rainforest Alliance), the Carbon Trust Standard, and comprehensive environmental legislation in production countries. To further minimize the impact of Fyffes’ activities on the environment, particularly in its source countries, the company has initiated its own projects, one of which involves setting aside forested areas to promote carbon sinks. The company manages a 43 percent conservation area that is part of Fyffes’ banana and pineapple farms. The conservation area is critical because it is made up of important forested areas that absorb and capture carbon dioxide—removing it from the atmosphere. The company has also started a baseline study to identify its carbon footprint along each component of its supply chain, which will be complete by the end of 2019.

A commitment to the principles of sustainability and respect for the environment are at the heart of the Fyffes brand, and the company intends to continue its efforts to work with its partners to develop and implement new solutions and practices that will result in a positive impact on the environment.

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