European paper industry groups welcome call for new measures on food packaging

According to a number of European paper industry trade associations, the European paper and board industry has welcomed the European Parliament report  by the rapporteur and Member of the European Parliament Christel Schaldemose on implementation of the Framework Regulation on Food Contact Materials. In particular, the industry supports the strong call by Parliament to develop a measure specific to the paper and board materials.

Paper and board is the most sustainable packaging material in Europe, according to the paper industry associations CEPI (Confederation of European Paper Industries), CITPA (International Confederation of Paper and Board Converters in Europe) and FEFCO (European Federation of Corrugated Board Manufacturers). In food application paper-based packaging is No. 1, with 13.8 million tonnes annually. 

A news release issued by CEPI, CITPA and FEFCO announcing the industry’s support of the measure states: “A well-functioning internal market is key for the paper and board industry, its customers and consumers alike. Yet, until now, specific food-contact measures have been developed for only three materials (plastics, ceramics and regenerated cellulose) as well as for active and intelligent packaging. In the absence of common EU rules diverging national measures are now seriously hampering the internal market. These inconsistencies have created legal uncertainty and risks for the entire value chain and hinder consumers’ confidence in food safety.”

While the associations say the paper industry always has prioritised consumer safety, they say the paper industry cannot replace the role of the legislator in setting a level playing field and European-wide levels for safety.

In recent years the industry has invested heavily in scientific research and is conducting work on supporting future legal measure thereby extensively upgrading its guidelines for food contact material, the news release states. “We can build upon the latest scientific knowledge, industry state of art practices and European Food Safety Authority’s approach to ensure a high level of consumer protection across Europe,” it concludes.