Freshfel have advocated that sustainability packaging efforts should be led by ‘science-based solutions with true results for sustainability enhancement’.
Based on the above proposal for single-use packaging, Freshfel did not state clear support since, “no other food categories are specifically targeted in the regulation [other than the fresh produce sector].”
Freshfel also note that “The fresh fruit and vegetable sector is committed to enhancing the category’s sustainability to help reach the EU’s climate neutrality target by 2050…” and that they “have proven this through our long use of the reusable pallet pool systems and recent investments such as in home compostable labels.”
They followed with support for functional and environmentally beneficial packaging, but one clear demand made by Nicolas Pisano (Freshfel Europe’s Director of Sustainability) outlined: “We are looking for a high level of harmonisation in the proposal, including technical details, to avoid further operational complexities hindering sustainability objectives.”
Put simply, big rules only work if they can be effectively broken down into actions for different businesses in the industry. These actions must be achievable and led by science, without discrimination toward different players in the food supply chain.