*SANWO-OLU CANVASSES** ECO-FRIENDLY **PRODUCTS **PACKAGING*
*… Tasks food industry players on environmental best practice*
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, has called for the use of
biodegradable
and compostable packaging materials by food processing companies, as an
eco-friendly option, for a sustainable environment.
He made the call at the 11th edition of the PROPAK West Africa 2024: Smart
Packaging Conference, held at the Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island,
Lagos.
Speaking on the theme, “Unlocking Nigeria Food Security: Implementation of
Smart Packaging to Reduce Waste”, the governor, represented by the
Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment, Mrs.
Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, underscored the role of food packaging and
processing industries in driving economic growth, charging the industry
players to shape the future of the industry to an eco-friendly one.
He said, “The industries represented here today are integral to Nigeria’s
economy. They form the backbone of our industrial and manufacturing
sectors, supporting various key areas such as food and beverage,
pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and fast-moving consumer goods. The
development of these industries is vital to ensuring our national growth
and competitiveness in the global market.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu noted that the central themes of the conference, which
focused on implementing sustainable packaging to reduce food waste and
exploring cross-sectoral responsibilities in the plastics industry,were
crucial for Nigeria’s economic stability, environmental sustainability, and
the well-being of the citizenry.
“Packaging for food security is a national priority as Nigeria continues to
grow in both population and economic ambition. Despite our rich
agricultural resources, we still face significant post-harvest losses due
to inadequate processing, packaging, and storage. In fact, it is estimated
that up to 40% of food produced in Nigeria is lost before it reaches the
consumer”, he stated.
He urged stakeholders to embrace sustainable packaging technologies with
urgency, stressing the need for cross-sectoral collaboration to manage
plastics responsibly and drive innovations that protect the environment.
“I encourage every stakeholder here to embrace the themes of this year’s
event with urgency and determination. We must actively seek out ways to
implement smart packaging technologies that ensure food security and reduce
waste. We must collaborate across sectors to manage plastics responsibly
and push forward innovations that protect both our economy and our
environment”, he remarked.
In his presentation at the event, the Managing Director/CEO of the Lagos
Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, highlighted the
immense global challenge of food loss and waste, which he noted was a
significant contributor to environmental degradation and resource wastage,
in regions like Africa, where food security was still an issue.
He said, “According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), roughly
one-third of the annual food produced globally for human
consumption—approximately 1.3 billion tonnes—is lost or wasted. These
losses are particularly unfortunate in Africa, where approximately 20
percent of the population is undernourished.”
Gbadegesin outlined the proactive steps of Lagos State Government to
address plastic waste issues and to promote sustainable packaging solutions,
including the recent ban on single-use plastics, as part of the state’s
broader strategy to reduce negative environmental impact.
He said “On the 22nd of January 2024, the Lagos State Government announced
a ban on the usage and distribution of styrofoam packs and other single-use
plastics, as part of efforts to shift the food industry towards a more
sustainable practices. Also, in February 2024, Lagos State amplified the
need for sensitization of our Food Systems’ Champions on modern ways of
packaging, storage, and transportation of agro-produce”.
Speaking further, the LAWMA boss x-rayed various innovative packaging
solutions that could transform the food industry, stressing that
sustainable packaging was not only about protecting products but also about
safeguarding the environment, necessitating a shift from conventional
plastics use, which posed severe environmental hazards.
According to him, “Innovative sustainable packaging must meet all
requirements for product safety, waste prevention, shelf life, hygiene, and
health. Plastic packaging waste raises the biggest concerns on
environmental impact, with 40% of disposable food packaging ending up in
ways that negatively affect the environment, such as landfilling and
microplastics”, he noted.
He further highlighted several sustainable packaging options, including
bioplastics, biodegradable films, and plant-based packaging materials,
emphasising their role in a circular economy, where packaging does not
burden the environment but rather harmonises with it, pointing out the
effectiveness of the solutions, particularly in reducing waste and
enhancing product shelf life.
He contended that the eco-friendly solutions were not just environmentally
beneficial but also aligned with consumer preferences and market trends,
adding that a significant portion of consumers now prefer brands that
engage in environmentally responsible practices, creating new opportunities
for businesses that adopt sustainable packaging.
He said “Statistics show that 45% of customers prefer engaging with
environmentally responsible brands such as those that offer eco-friendly
food packaging solutions. Out of these consumers, 44% claimed that they
would rather settle with a brand that supports recycling and food waste
reduction.
“As we navigate the path toward a greener future, biodegradable packaging
remains a pivotal solution for a sustainable world. It offers businesses a
chance to enhance their reputation while minimising environmental impact,
particularly in waste management and landfill diversion”, he concluded.
Also speaking, the Director-General of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria
(MAN), Segun Ajayi, noted that the event was a potential avenue to
creating a great future where everyone would have access to nutritious food
and smart packaging, adding that the organisation was committed to
prioritising the interest of consumers.
Other speakers were: Vice president, World Packaging Organisation, Mr. Kofi
Essuman, Regional Director Afrocet Montgomery, George Pearson, President
African Packaging Organisation, Ahmed Omeh, among others.
For waste management related issues and complaints, please call LAWMA
toll-free numbers: 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020 and 617, or
visit www.lawma.gov.ng.
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