The Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA), Canada, released “A landscape review of plastics in the Canadian fresh produce sector,” a technical report developed by Value Chain Management International (VCMI), Canada, to address plastic packaging in the produce industry.

The report details the results of months of research on Canadian and global plastic use, focusing on the fresh fruit and vegetable supply chain’s impact. The purpose of the study was to aid the development of a pragmatic roadmap that will assist the produce industry to navigate the highly complex, multifaceted topic of utilizing plastic packaging in the most economically and environmentally responsible means.

“These publications are a manifestation of CPMA’s efforts and vision for a green economy that identifies concerns around fragmented systems, unnecessary and problematic plastics, the benefits of plastics when used within the appropriate system and the need to reduce food waste and ensure food security in our efforts around sustainable packaging,” says Ron Lemaire, president of CPMA. “Together, with our members and partners across the fresh fruit and vegetable supply chain and with our colleagues throughout the food system, we hope to be a catalyst for positive and viable change that enables businesses to thrive, communities to flourish and consumer preferences and demands to be met.”