Canada’s produce industry urges government to rethink proposed plastic packaging ban

The Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) has raised concerns about the federal government’s proposed regulatory and policy actions targeting primary packaging for fresh produce.

The proposed measures, effectively a “plastics ban” for the sector, the CPMA says, include plans to eliminate non-compostable plastic PLU stickers and require that 95 per cent of fresh produce be sold in bulk or plastic-free packaging. The CPMA argues that these actions could have adverse, significant, and potentially irreversible impacts on Canadians.

According to the impact analysis, primary packaging plays a crucial role in sustaining the global produce supply chain, ensuring the availability of affordable, high-quality, and safe fresh produce year-round. The CPMA says that the proposed regulations need to consider the complexities of the global fresh produce supply chain and overlook the industry’s efforts toward developing a sustainable packaging portfolio.

To bolster its case, the CPMA, in collaboration with its members and partner associations, conducted a series of studies to analyze the potential impacts of the proposed regulatory and policy actions.

In the analysis, the CPMA suggests regulatory and policy initiatives regarding fresh produce in Canada may have substantial effects. The report also suggests that Canadians might see a 34 per cent increase in the cost of fresh produce, with a drop of over 50 per cent in its availability. According to the report, this could result in an estimated market value decline of $5.6 billion.

Furthermore, the analysis also points out an increase of more than 50 per cent in fresh produce food waste across various categories and a 50 per cent uptick in greenhouse gas emissions throughout the supply chain. As a result, the CPMA says these measures could disproportionately impact the cost and accessibility of fresh produce in rural and remote areas across the country. The organization also cited apprehension among almost two-thirds of Canadian consumers regarding potential price increases and outcomes.

Moreover, there is an elevated risk of food safety incidents and foodborne illnesses due to the amendments. It also says the projected decline in fresh produce consumption may contribute to a yearly increase in health care costs exceeding $1 billion.

Proposed regulations, aimed at reducing pollution from primary food packaging, need an evidential basis and comprehensive consultation with industry stakeholders, the organization says.

The CPMA is urging the Canadian government to reconsider proposed regulatory and policy actions targeting primary packaging for fresh produce. It’s also advocating for a pause in developing and implementing these measures to allow for a more comprehensive assessment. They recommend active engagement with the Canadian and international fresh produce sectors to explore sustainable packaging solutions collaboratively, emphasizing the importance of leveraging ongoing industry efforts. Additionally, the CPMA suggests considering alternative actions that address environmental concerns without compromising factors such as fresh produce affordability and availability.

To address the concerns raised, the CPMA is proposing specific actions. Firstly, they recommend identifying and addressing gaps in the circular economy infrastructure, mainly focusing on food-grade materials within the recycling process.

Secondly, they advise advancing and supporting international standards for sustainable packaging solutions, citing compostable PLU stickers. Thirdly, collaboration with the fresh produce industry is suggested to support the development of an innovative portfolio of sustainable packaging solutions. The CPMA is also emphasizing the government’s need to support the development of life cycle analysis methodologies that consider the entire fresh produce supply chain.

Lastly, to bridge the gap between industry practices and consumer understanding, the CPMA is recommending working with the fresh produce industry to develop consumer awareness campaigns highlighting ongoing efforts to minimize environmental impacts while ensuring food affordability, availability, and safety.

The CPMA added that a more collaborative and evidence-based approach is essential to finding sustainable solutions for primary packaging in the fresh produce industry, ensuring a balance between environmental responsibility and the complexities of the supply chain.