Representative group FoodDrinkEurope has introduced a Roadmap on Sustainable Packaging, with which the group intends to 'reaffirm its commitment' to packaging that fits within the circular economy.
“As a major user of packaging, the food and drink industry fully acknowledges that it has a share of the responsibility with regards to the impact of the packaging that it puts on the EU market," commented Mella Frewen, FoodDrinkEurope’s director general.
"Europe’s food and drink manufacturers are fully invested in developing solutions to this challenge, which is reflected in our Roadmap.”
The group said that it has been an 'active contributor' to discussions around the European Strategy for Plastics in a Circular Economy, and acknowledged earlier this year proposals by the European Commission on ensuring certain plastic products were less harmful to the environment.
'Societal Transition'
'Food and drink packaging plays a vital role in protecting and preserving products for consumers,' the group said in a statement on its website.
'However, some packaging, particularly plastics, ends up in nature and contributes to the growing problem of litter. The industry is therefore setting itself a roadmap of actions to support the societal transition towards a circular economy; these actions include improving packaging design, actively supporting collection, sorting and recycling, and raising awareness.
'In addition, the Roadmap features recommendations to policy makers with the objective to work together towards making food and drink packaging more circular and sustainable.'
© 2018 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Stephen Wynne-Jones. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: European Supermarket Magazine.
