WASHINGTON, DC - The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), under the Alliance for Sustainable Packaging for Food Logos (ASPF), recently issued a statement on the new packaging rules agreed in principle by EU Member State governments last month. ASPF states that the ruling will raise serious trade and food safety concerns, negatively impacting global supply chains and food security. Secondary impacts of these new rules will include fewer healthy food choices available to consumers.

“The proposed Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) prohibits even those single-use packaging options that were scientifically designed to maintain quality, safety, and freshness of perishable commodities, as fresh and ready-to-eat foods risk being spoiled, damaged, or contaminated if not packaged appropriately,” ASPF said in a release. “It 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.”

The current text of the PPWR favors recyclability over composting, and therefore limits options for fresh food manufacturers, the release continued. Exemptions to the ban would be left to individual EU Member States leading to a patchwork of national regulations on food safety and allowable types of packaging for many perishable commodities. This will reportedly undermine the EU Single Market by creating obstacles to trade within, as well as with, the EU.

As EU regulators finalize these new rules over the coming months, ASPF will continue to urge and engage with EU regulators and Member State governments to address these serious food safety and trade concerns. To successfully increase the sustainability of the food supply chain, it is essential that evidence-based approaches are adopted that do not compromise on food safety, food quality, food availability, and public health.

ANUK will report as we learn more.