In response to the proposed Regulation on Packaging and Packaging Waste (PPWR), Pro Food felt it was time to ensure that all politicians in the European Parliament and the Commission understood that packaging should not be criticized, but on the contrary, appreciated, since it prevents food waste. Packaging can also be more and more recyclable.
About 10 days ago, the meeting "The value of packaging: sustainability and food waste in F&V", hosted by Ortofrutta Italia, an interprofessional fruit and vegetable organization, took place at the European Parliament in Brussels. The event was attended by Mauro Salini, president of Pro Food, the Unionplast product group that unites 14 food packaging manufacturers (including for the AGF sector). The organization represents a turnover of €1.5 billion, 4,500 employees and 70% of the production of packaging for the AGF sector in Italy.
"Italian MEPs have understood and agreed to the standpoint taken jointly by Ortofrutta Italia and Pro Food. Now it is necessary to raise awareness among the political representatives of other growing countries, especially Mediterranean countries. As already mentioned on other occasions, we support all the core goals of the PPWR, but we want to express our concern about the consequences of the original text which does not go in the right direction for achieving the proposed goals," says Salini.
"The original text includes a ban on packaging, while another part of the regulation considers it virtuous because of its high recycled content and recyclability. It is therefore essential to change course and adapt this proposed regulation, focusing on scientific evidence and well-grounded motives."
All agree that the application of the PPWR would lead to a sharp increase in costs, with even worsening environmental impacts. "But the main damage would mainly affect the entire supply chain of fruit and vegetables. For one thing, growers would have to radically change their harvesting and preservation methods and would possibly see an increase in damage claims due to the inevitable deterioration of bulk produce," says Salini. And this applies not only to Italy, but to all strong horticultural countries, such as France and especially Spain.
"Transporters as well as logistics at large would be forced to work with products with a shorter shelf life, given the lack of protection offered by packaging, while retailers would have to switch from reasoned management with a mix of bulk and packaged product to everything bulk, resulting in an increase in waste due to some uncontrollable variables."
The consequent rearrangement of in-store fruit and vegetable shelves could reduce the range of products offered, not only reducing the consumer's choice but also penalizing small and medium-sized shops and discounters, which are currently preferred by consumers.
"And finally, consumers would find in the supermarket a product that is not only inferior and more expensive, but also unprotected from a sanitary point of view. Therefore, it is essential that those with decision-making powers properly understand all these aspects and draw the necessary conclusions when adopting the text," concluded the president.
