The future of food packaging lies in innovation and sustainability

January 24, 2025

Pro Food

The conference promoted by Pro Food “Beyond appearances: the sustainability of food packaging”, held on 15 January at the Marca trade fair in Bologna, aimed to put science at the centre of the debate on the environmental impact of packaged fruit and vegetables and sustainable packaging solutions.

One of the highlights of the conference was the presentation of the results of a detailed study conducted by the Department of Agricultural, Forestry and Food Sciences (DISAFA) of the University of TurinCommissioned by Pro Food, the paper is titled “Fresh Fruits and Vegetables and Primary Packaging: A Preliminary Study on the Environmental Impact from Farm to Fork.” Dr. Alice Varaldo explained to the audience the results of a detailed analysis of the environmental impact of packaged fresh produce (including strawberries, nectarines, cherry tomatoes and table grapes) using life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology to examine the entire life cycle of products from farm to table.

The study took into account several impact indicators, including global warming potential (GWP), land use (LU) and water depletion potential (WDP). It highlighted the positive environmental performance of rPET packaging (recycled polyethylene terephthalate) compared to solid cardboard (CC). Dr Varaldo explained: “We did not limit our analysis to environmental impact in isolation, but also considered the product’s shelf life. With rPET, food waste is significantly reduced compared to cardboard – a crucial factor on the path to long-term sustainability.” However, the agricultural production phase was found to be the most impactful along the supply chain, underlining the need for an integrated approach to addressing environmental challenges.

In addition to the focus on scientific research, the conference showcased examples of successful corporate initiatives. Matteo Brazzoli, CEO Faerch Italia, presented the company's project on recycling and reusing PET for food packaging, demonstrating how innovation can reduce the environmental footprint of packaging. Fabrizio Bernini, sustainability director of Happy Group, analysed the success of X-PS trays for meat, fish and derived products, highlighting the importance of “tray to tray” recycling to create a complete product life cycle. Pietro SpagniExecutive Director AMP Recycling, an ILPA Group company, explained the concept of vertical integration and circularity in food packaging with rPET trays. Gianpiero Committee, sustainability director of Aristea, illustrated the environmental benefits of rPET cups, demonstrating that it is possible to combine performance with sustainability. Finally, Marco Omboni, Sales Manager Packaging of FLO Group, highlighted successful applications of R-PS in food packaging, focusing on vending machine cups and yoghurt containers.

The conference concluded with a panel discussion moderated by Manuela Soressi, which brought together the main players in the supply chain: from recycling consortia to producers and packers of fresh food, as well as representatives of retailers. Participants included Nazario Battelli, member of the board of directors of Ortofrutta Italia; Andrea Campelli, director of external relations at CoRePla; Claudio Mazzini, head of fresh products at Coop Italia; and Maria Cristina Poggesi, director of IPPR (Second Life Plastic).

Nazario Battelli, representative from Ortofrutta Italia, criticised the unfair treatment of the fruit and vegetable sector under the European Regulation on Packaging and Packaging Waste (PPWR): “The fresh fruit and vegetable sector, with one of the lowest environmental impacts, has been unfairly penalised by the new European regulations. We use only 1,5% of plastic food packaging, but we are faced with restrictions that do not take into account our specificities. Packaging is essential to protect and enhance products, guaranteeing quality and sustainability. We cannot ignore the fact that without adequate packaging we risk compromising freshness and safety, increasing food waste and costs throughout the supply chain.”

Claudio Mazzini, responsible for Fresh Products of Coop, stressed the need for a balance between sustainability and practicality: “Reducing plastic should not come at the expense of product quality or increasing food waste. We don’t sell packaging, we sell high-quality products that need to be protected and presented in the best possible packaging. Packaged products continue to grow in popularity because consumers perceive them as more hygienic and convenient, especially post-Covid. Proposing that everything be sold without packaging is like saying that online shopping should be banned because delivery vans pollute. Instead, we should use vans that produce no emissions, not eliminate online shopping. Similarly, we need sustainable solutions that fit the demands of the modern market. Sustainability must be integrated with contemporary lifestyles and not ignore them. Concrete proposals must address present and future needs.”

Andrea Campelli, director of external relations of CoRePla, said: “To properly assess packaging, we need to use scientific criteria that consider the entire life cycle of materials, from production to end-of-life. Demonising plastic without thorough analysis is a mistake. Italy, with its widely praised recycling system, is a European and global leader, but our achievements are often overlooked. We need constructive dialogue between policymakers and industry to create regulations that incentivise best practices and promote effective long-term solutions.”

Maria Cristina Poggesi, Director of Institute for the Promotion of Recycled Plastics (IPPR), concluded: “Italy is a European leader in plastic recycling, with notable achievements such as the ‘Second Life Plastic’ certification, which guarantees an average of 66% recycled materials in new products. However, these successes are often ignored by public opinion and institutions, while the sector fights against a negative narrative that does not reflect reality. There is no such thing as the perfect material, only the most suitable for each specific product. Collaboration throughout the supply chain and trust in scientific data are essential to find practical and sustainable solutions, improving what already works.” The event concluded with a unanimous call for collaboration and a shared commitment to building a more sustainable future.

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