The National Wooden Pallet and Container Association (NWPCA) has announced the establishment of the Alliance for Sustainable Packaging for Foods (ASPF). This global coalition, composed of non-profit industry and non-governmental organizations, was formed to engage with regulators and governments on sustainable packaging.
A press release from NWPCA reveals that the founding members of this new alliance include Aneberries, Canadian Produce Marketing Association, FMI – The Food Industry Association, Fruit South Africa, Frutas de Chile, International Fresh Produce Association, National Milk Producers Federation, National Council of Farmers Coops, NWPCA itself, North American Meat Institute, Organic Trade Association, Reusable Packaging Association, STOP Foodborne Illness, U.S. Dairy Export Council and Western Growers Association.
According to the same press release from NWPCA, ASPF will advocate for a "holistic and harmonized approach to food packaging regulation," an approach that does not compromise food safety and public health or increase the environmental footprint of the food supply chain. Presently, ASPF has prioritized engagement with ongoing negotiations in the European Union concerning revisions of packaging and packaging waste rules. Additionally, it is focusing on pollution prevention planning notice for primary food plastic packaging along with other regulatory developments in Canada's packaging sector.
As per NWPCA's press release again, ASPF plans to create working groups that focus on priorities and action plans. These may include government relations strategies and technical approaches to advocating for packaging regulations. The alliance has already released an analysis of peer-reviewed publications on food safety versus packaging trade-offs which can be accessed on its website.
Max Teplitski, Chief Science Officer at International Fresh Produce Association and Chair of ASPF was quoted in the press release saying: "Members of ASPF are clear: we are committed to significantly reducing packaging waste but not at the expense of food safety. We will work hard with regulators and policymakers around the world to do so." Teplitski added, "We must take into account the footprint of the entire lifecycle of packaging use while maintaining food safety and addressing phytosanitary concerns. The purpose of ASPF is to find opportunities for partnership across global stakeholders to create a holistic and harmonized approach to packaging regulation, which reflects and accounts for the key outcomes central to a sustainable food supply."
