New packaging rules adopted by the European Parliament raise serious trade and food safety concerns, says the Alliance for Sustainable Packaging for Foods.
If endorsed by the EU Council later this year, the packaging rules will “almost certainly” negatively impact global supply chains and food security, the group said. The alliance includes more than 15 organizations, including the International Fresh Produce Association, Western Growers and the Canadian Produce Marketing Association.
Secondary impacts of these new rules will include fewer healthy food choices available to consumers, according to the alliance.
Max Teplitski, International Fresh Produce Association’s chief science officer and chair of the Alliance for Sustainable Packaging for Foods, said the group is disappointed that the new packaging rules adopted by the European Parliament do not prioritize consumer safety and access to nutritious food choices.
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation adopted by the European Parliament prohibits single-use packaging options, including options that are scientifically designed to maintain quality, safety and freshness of perishable commodities, the group said. The packaging rules 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, according to the alliance.
“The PPWR favors recyclability over composting, and therefore limits options for fresh food manufacturers,” the alliance said. “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. Instead of creating harmonized rules, this will undermine the EU Single Market by creating obstacles to trade within, as well as with, the EU.”
“Minimizing waste and finding alternatives to single use plastic packaging is a goal we can all get behind,” Teplitski said in a statement. “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. 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.”
