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PPWR, niepraktyczne i szkodliwe rozporządzenie dla całego łańcucha dostaw
The European Regulation on Packaging and Packaging Waste (PPWR), adopted by the European Parliament on April 24th, significantly impacts the fresh fruit and vegetable supply chain, particularly where it bans the use of plastic packaging.
European fresh fruit and vegetables are already sold loose 50% of the time, and the plastic packaging used in this sector represents only 1.5% of all food packaging.
Due to the functions it performs throughout the fruit and vegetable supply chain—from the field, to product processing, transportation, point of sale, and finally the consumer’s home—rigid plastic packaging for food and beverages is considered essential by industry professionals.
The main risks associated with eliminating plastic packaging include increased food waste, leading to lower overall sustainability, higher costs for the fruit and vegetable industry, which will be passed on to consumers, and greater risks to consumer safety and health, resulting from a decline in fresh fruit and vegetable consumption.
In fact, with the PPWR, lawmakers have unjustifiably penalized the fruit and vegetable sector, neglecting the significant work already done to establish a circular economy for plastic packaging and to encourage the consumption of fresh produce.
These key points summarize the main areas of debate at an event organized by Pro Food during Fruit Attraction in Madrid last week. Pro Food is a trade group, within the Rubber and Plastics Federation (Confindustria), representing 14 Italian companies producing plastic food and beverage containers. The roundtable discussion, featuring a panel of industry leaders, delved into the challenges and issues posed by the PPWR, approved at the close of the previous European Parliament term.
ProFood's invited speakers—Ron Lemaire, President of the CPMA (Canadian Produce Marketing Association), Luc Vanoirbeek, Chairman of the COPA-COGECA Fruit & Vegetables Working Group, Philippe Binard, General Delegate of Freshfel Europe, Jean-Louis Moulon, Vice-President of AREFLH, and Aurelio Del Pino Gonzalez, President of ACES (Asociacion Española de Cadenas Supermercados)—discussed the effects the PPWR will have, focusing on sustainability, costs and the practicality of alternatives to traditional packaging. They also debated the implications for the fresh produce sector. ProFood is working to push for a revision of the PPWR, and the meeting in Madrid served as an opportunity to renew their appeal to politicians and institutions, reminding them how essential plastic packaging is for food safety, waste reduction and maintaining product quality—an appeal shared not only across Europe but internationally.
Ron Lemaire, President of the CPMA (Canada), highlighted what is happening in Canada. The Canadian government had proposed, similar to the PPWR, a ban on plastic packaging for fruit and vegetables. However, Canada's Ministry of Agriculture carried out a study that calls into question this proposed law, acknowledging that the issue is complex and cannot be addressed with ideological bias. The study emphasized the importance of plastic packaging in performing various functions throughout the supply chain, including, but not limited to, reducing food waste. Lemaire also warned of the risk of reduced access to fruit and vegetables and, consequently, lower consumption of fresh produce.
"We need cross-sector collaboration, including agriculture, environment, and commercial industries," stated the representative of the Canadian Produce Marketing Association. He added, "A decline in fruit and vegetable consumption impacts the public healthcare system by billions of dollars. Clear strategies are needed to ensure efficient recycling and reuse systems that support global access to natural products."
Luc Vanoirbeek, Chairman of the COPA-COGECA Fruit and Vegetable Working Group (EU), criticized current European packaging regulations, especially those for fresh produce. "These regulations are misdirected. We represent only 1.5% of food plastic packaging in Europe, and applying the same rules to perishable goods as to non-perishable ones, like cell phones, makes no sense," Vanoirbeek stated, calling for a complete reassessment of the regulation to "prevent food waste, promote consumption, and improve the functioning of the European single market."
Philippe Binard, General Delegate of Freshfel Europe, discussed the sector's responsibility to reduce waste while maintaining product quality. "Our sector prevents 80 million tons of waste, but the current debate on packaging is off-target. We need adequate tools to ensure packaging continues to protect products and provide essential information to consumers," commented Binard. He also stressed the need for a unified European approach, as "different national regulations are creating inconsistencies in the market."
Jean-Louis Moulon, Vice-President of AREFLH, emphasized the role innovation plays in maintaining product quality and safety. "Technology allows us to select products based on size, color, and freshness, critical factors for reducing waste and ensuring quality," Moulon explained. He gave the example of a niche French product sold as individual fruit, with a custom packaging solution—developed after years of research—designed to preserve its quality. "Any regulatory changes must consider the impact on the supply chain and consumer safety," Moulon concluded.
Aurelio Del Pino Gonzalez, President of ACES, highlighted the complexity of national and European regulations on the reduction of plastic use and recycling. "There is a lot of uncertainty about how these regulations will be applied, especially due to the lack of distinction between compostable, biodegradable and traditional plastics. This confusion complicates packaging decisions for fruit, vegetables, and other products," stated the Spanish supermarket association representative, calling for clearer guidelines, particularly regarding exemptions for organic products and those with protected designations of origin.
Mauro Salini, President of Pro Food, closed the roundtable by expressing the widespread concern throughout the supply chain regarding the PPWR. "This regulation unnecessarily targets essential packaging and imposes discriminatory rules. We are pursuing two main actions: expanding the list of exemptions and promoting a change in political mindset. We believe change is possible, but it will require more flexible and responsive policies, similar to those we see in Canada," said Salini.
ProFood has consistently voiced concerns about the PPWR, arguing that it unfairly discriminates against plastic packaging and lacks a scientific basis. The association has urged the European Commission and Member States to reconsider the regulation, acknowledging the crucial role plastic packaging plays in food safety, extending shelf life, and reducing waste. "Our packaging solutions are already among the most recyclable, made from up to 80% recycled materials," Salini added, emphasizing that plastic packaging in the fresh produce sector is a model of circular resource use.
ProFood continues to advocate for a balanced approach to packaging regulations, ensuring that sustainability goals are met without compromising the functionality and safety of packaging, particularly for perishable products.Przeczytaj również:
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