For the first time in its history, the World Packaging Organisation (WPO) participated at the UN’s Climate Conference – COP28 – in Dubai, giving voice to the important connection between packaging and its role in transforming food systems.
WPO was represented by its president Luciana Pellegrino, who was part of the panel on ‘The role of sustainable food packaging and processing in achieving food security’, organised by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), on 9 December.
Other speakers included Dejene Tezera, director of the Department of Agribusiness Development at UNIDO; Habiba Al’Mar’Arshi, chairperson at Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) and WPO member; Nidal Haddad, CEO of Al Bayader; and Martin Krause, director of the Division of Programme Support and Coordination at IAEA.
The panel, moderated by WPO vice president for events, Soha Attala, discussed packaging advancement, and showcased examples of best practices and available technology, including circular and recyclable packaging, as well as soft-electrons technologies.
Speakers reviewed how sustainable food packaging and processing can influence post-harvest food losses and waste, value addition, export, carbon footprint, and policies that support a sustainable food system.
“This is a very important moment not only for WPO, but also to the global packaging community,” said Pellegrino.
“At COP28, we had the opportunity to raise the voice for packaging, and share know-how and data on how packaging makes a positive impact in society – either by bringing efficiency to supply chain or safety to consumers, and also by reducing waste and the carbon footprint related to it.
“WPO at COP28 is also a big step in the strategy of turning the Organisation and its members into the voice for the packaging industry around the globe.”
Pellegrino thanked UNIDO, especially its division chief Ali Badarneh, and Aleksa Mirkovic, for giving this opportunity to WPO.
