Fruit Logistica report examines sustainability

With a focus on sustainability, the Fruit Logistica Trend Report for 2020 suggests several ways the fruit and vegetable industry can help both people and the planet in years to come. 

The 34-page “Do the Right Thing (Right)” report, produced by RaboResearch Food & Agribusiness and published by Fruit Logistica, concludes:

The industry must seek to re-use waste streams, use renewable resources more efficiently and reduce environmental and social impacts;

• The industry must address issues relating to water, food waste, packaging, chemical use and energy consumption;
• Worker welfare issues should be a high priority, especially considering the already tight labor conditions in the industry;
• Innovations in technology will lead to advances in greenhouse production and precision agriculture;
• Tools such as the life cycle assessment (lca), measuring the carbon footprint and so-called “true cost” calculations can be useful ways of identifying areas in need of improvement, but work on the applications of metrics to those tools needs more development;
• Transparency is important, but any communication about sustainability performance should be evidence-based;
• Companies should focus on a limited number of goals in developing an efficient sustainability strategy; and 
• Communication about sustainability efforts could influence buyer perceptions.

Packaging focus

The report said packaging has quickly captured the attention of fresh produce consumers all over the world.

“A decade ago, no one had foreseen that packaging would become one of the main sustainability priorities in the fresh produce sector,” the report said. 

“But campaigns run by the Plastic Soup Foundation and similar groups have quickly raised awareness of environmental issues related to packaging.”

The report said producers and users of plastic packaging are faced with severe pressure to reduce their use of plastic, and to introduce other options.

Even so, the report said plastic packaging is increasing, particularly in Asia.

“The share of fresh fruit sold in packaging has increased over the last decade and currently ranges from only 3% in China to 20% in the U.S., 47% in the United Kingdom and 56% in Germany.” 

The report advised marketers to review their own packaging strategy.

“The elimination of packaging (especially plastic) is a noble initiative, but this can have negative side effects, like causing more waste,” the report said. 

“Each packaging material has its own environmental benefits and disadvantages, so it’s vital to teach people and tell them why certain materials are used.”

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