EUROPE - Organizations from across the globe, including the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), have come together to form the Alliance for Sustainable Packaging for Foods (ASPF), and are standing against new packaging rules adopted by the European Parliament on April 24. If endorsed by the EU Council later this year, the organization believes the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) will negatively impact global supply chains and food security.

"Minimizing waste and finding alternatives to single-use plastic packaging is a goal we can all get behind. Without viable alternatives, bans on plastic and compostable packaging threaten food safety, undermine food quality, and increase food waste—all factors that are equally important to consumers and the environment,” said IFPA's Chief Science Officer and Chair of ASPF, Max Teplitski.

The PPWR voted on yesterday prohibits even single-use packaging options that were scientifically designed to maintain the quality, safety, and freshness of perishable commodities, a release stated. This is because fresh and ready-to-eat foods risk being spoiled, damaged, or contaminated if not packaged appropriately. The release continued that this would lead to an increase in food waste and, based on studies carried out in other jurisdictions, is likely to result in greater use of more durable types of plastics.

“We are disappointed that the new packaging rules adopted by the European Parliament today do not prioritize consumer safety and access to nutritious food choices, nor do they consider the tangible impacts on trade and sustainability,” added Teplitski. “With this outcome, IFPA will continue to advocate for sensible packaging regulations and investment in the innovations needed to find safe and sustainable alternatives to single-use packaging."

As the release also stated, the PPWR favors recyclability over composting and limits options for fresh food manufacturers. Exemptions to the ban would be left to individual EU Member States, leading to a mixture of national regulations on food safety and allowable types of packaging for many perishable commodities.

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AndNowUKnow will update you on the PPWR and other regulations that could affect the produce industry and its partners.