The EU wooden packaging sector demonstrates strength at Fruit Logistica

The Spanish Federation of Wooden Packaging and its Components (FEDEMCO) will be on the international stage once again when it takes part at the Fruit Logistica trade fair in Berlin. For the first time, the German, French and Italian associations, which together with FEDEMCO form the European association Grow International, will have a joint stand at Hall 11.2 - B14.

“The wooden packaging sector is already active in Brussels thanks to its federation Grow International. FEDEMCO has been chairing the presidency of this group for the past two years. It is therefore natural for us to participate together and for FEDEMCO to lead the delegation here as well," explains Enrique Soler, President of FEDEMCO. "The debate on the future of packaging is taking place at European level. That is why it is essential that we stand together. The decisions that are taken in Brussels affect us all," adds Soler, referring to the new European regulation.

This new packaging and packaging waste standard, better known by its acronym PPWR, is a proposed EU regulation. Voted in October 2023 and currently in its amendment phase, it aims to boost the circular economy, reduce waste and improve recycling. As a result of its adoption last year, the PPWR has already become a standard for all European companies that will have to reduce their waste rates to 15% by 2040 and ensure full recyclability of packaging by 2030, among other issues.

“With the new regulation, manufacturers have additional obligations in relation to packaging and its recycling. It is important that both they and the distribution chains that buy from them are aware of these implications," says Soler. "Both FEDEMCO and Grow International have been doing important work in this area for months. Here at Fruit Logistica, we will also be giving a presentation to which we are inviting the entire international fruit and vegetable sector," he adds.

The presentation will take place on Thursday 8 February at 3pm in the Fresh Produce Forum in Hall 23 - E03. Salvador Cervera, member of the Executive Committee of FEDEMCO and representative of the European lobby group Grow International, will explain what the new regulations mean and how they affect us all. Following the presentation, the companies and media representatives present will have the opportunity to ask questions. A cocktail will also be served for journalists who have confirmed their attendance in advance.

Wooden packaging, sustainable and recyclable

In this scenario of growing environmental concern, wooden packaging is in an advantageous position in terms of both sustainability and recyclability. "Wood is a 100% biodegradable raw material that already exists in nature. That is why its transformation into packaging consumes less water and energy resources than other packaging," explains Soler. "Moreover, its carbon footprint is negative. The sustainable forests from which it comes absorb more CO2 than is emitted during manufacture. Finally, the recyclability of wooden packaging is guaranteed with the Ecowoox brand, which we presented last year," he concludes.

About Grow International and its members

Grow International was founded in 1991 as a result of an international co-operation between the French, Spanish, German and Italian associations. It currently represents 200 companies with an estimated total turnover of 500 million euros. https://www.grow-international.eu

The Spanish Federation of Wooden Packaging and its Components (FEDEMCO) currently chairs Grow International, of which it is a founding member. Spain is the European leader in the production and export of wooden packaging, mainly for the marketing of fruit and vegetables. https://fedemco.com

The French Association of Light Wood Packaging Manufacturers (SIEL) was founded in 1978. It currently comprises 45 companies with 55 production sites employing a total of 6,000 people. https://www.emballage-leger-bois.fr

Federlegnoarredo (FLA) is the national association of the wood packaging, pallet, cork and logistics services industry and represents the interests of Italian manufacturers. https://www.federlegnoarredo.it

GROW Deutschland is the German association for environmentally friendly wood packaging and a founding member of the European association Grow International. http://www.grow- deutschland.de/

You can follow FEDEMCO on social networks: LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram.

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