Without harmonised global rules on plastic use and disposal, the fresh produce industry faces increased costs, reduced market access, and complex compliance requirements across different markets, says IFPA chief science officer Dr Max Teplitski
The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) has expressed its disappointment at the recent failure to pass the global plastic pact.
Building on the accreditation status it received in July from the United Nations Environment Programme, IFPA advocated on behalf of its membership and the global produce and floral community at the recent UN global plastics pollution treaty in Geneva, Switzerland.
IFPA chief science officer Dr Max Teplitski represented the organisation in Geneva, and released a statement on the outcome of the negotiations.
”The failure to pass the global plastic pact represents a significant missed opportunity for both the fresh produce industry and the broader international community,” he said.
”This pact was widely regarded as a final attempt to establish a pragmatic approach to addressing plastic waste and its environmental impact.
”Without such an agreement, the regulatory landscape will become increasingly fragmented, as individual countries and municipalities move forward with their own policies to control plastic use and disposal,” Teplitski explained.
”This patchwork of regulations will create substantial challenges for international trade, forcing exporters to navigate a complex web of compliance requirements that vary from market to market.
”The result will be increased costs, reduced market access, and a heightened risk of non-tariff trade barriers that undermine the efficiency and competitiveness of global supply chains,” he outlined.
For the fresh produce industry, the implications are particularly acute, he said, with modern crop production requiring access to a variety of tools, including plastic mulches, irrigation pipes, shade cloths and coverings.
Many products require packaging for transportation, extended shelf-life and quality, and compliance with traceability standards.
”The absence of harmonised rules means that producers must adapt to often divergent standards, which may not always reflect the unique needs of the industry or the advances already made in reducing reliance on single use packaging, and reducing plastic waste,” Teplitski pointed out.
”While the industry remains committed to sustainability and innovation, having invested in compostable, recyclable, and reusable packaging options, the burden of research and development should not fall solely on producers.
”Collaborative solutions are needed, with governments and stakeholders working together to identify alternatives that maintain product quality and safety while advancing environmental objectives,” he said.
Ultimately, the failure to pass the global plastic pact risks stalling progress on plastic waste reduction and sustainability.
”It is essential that future efforts prioritise pragmatic, common-sense solutions that balance environmental goals with the practical realities of production and trade, ensuring that the industry’s voice is heard and that innovation is supported across the value chain,” Teplitski added.
