MONTREAL — Citing the need to act against climate change, the Canadian government will put up to $376,000 toward “sustainable” food and produce packaging.
The Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) will use the money to fund a national pilot project that will look at adopting sustainable packaging design and material options. It’s part of an intended strategy to move the industry toward materials that can be more easily recycled or composted.
Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Marie-Claude Bibeau announced the contribution April 6 at the CPMA’s annual convention and trade show. “Climate change is a great threat to our economy, our communities and our future. For this reason, our government is investing in research and innovation to help the industry transition to more eco-friendly food packaging for products such as fruits and vegetables,” Bibeau said.
“Consumers in Canada and around the world want more sustainable options, and we are committed to providing them,” said.
Contrary to the minister’s claim, however, is a 2021 Mayer de Groot industry survey that found European produce consumers are more concerned that packaging offer visible transparency and protection food quality over any eco-friendly credentials.
