Sanwo-Olu advocates eco-friendly product packaging
…urges food industry players to adopt environmental best practices
By Adeola Ogunrinde
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has called on food processing companies to adopt biodegradable and compostable packaging materials as eco-friendly alternatives to promote environmental sustainability.
Sanwo-Olu made this appeal during 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’s 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, emphasized the critical role of food packaging and processing industries in driving economic growth. He urged industry players to embrace sustainable packaging practices that reduce waste and protect the environment.
“The industries represented here today are integral to Nigeria’s economy. They form the backbone of our industrial and manufacturing sectors, supporting key areas such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and fast-moving consumer goods. The development of these industries is vital to ensuring national growth and global competitiveness,” Sanwo-Olu said.
The governor noted that the conference’s focus on sustainable packaging and the responsible management of plastics is crucial for Nigeria’s economic stability, environmental health, and the well-being of its citizens.
“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. It is estimated that up to 40% of food produced in Nigeria is lost before it reaches the consumer,” Sanwo-Olu stated.
He urged stakeholders to urgently adopt smart packaging technologies, stressing the need for cross-sectoral collaboration to manage plastics responsibly and drive innovations that safeguard the environment.
“I encourage every stakeholder here to embrace the themes of this year’s event with urgency and determination. We must 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 added.
In his presentation, the Managing Director/CEO of Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, highlighted the global challenge of food loss and waste, which significantly contributes to environmental degradation and resource wastage, especially in regions like Africa, where food security remains an issue.
“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 about 20% of the population is undernourished,” Gbadegesin said.
He outlined proactive steps taken by the Lagos State Government to address plastic waste and promote sustainable packaging solutions, including the recent ban on single-use plastics as part of the state’s broader strategy to mitigate environmental impact.
“On January 22, 2024, the Lagos State Government announced a ban on the use and distribution of styrofoam packs and other single-use plastics in a bid to shift the food industry toward more sustainable practices. Additionally, in February 2024, the state amplified the need to educate our Food Systems’ Champions on modern packaging, storage, and transportation of agricultural produce,” Gbadegesin noted.
The LAWMA boss also discussed various innovative packaging solutions that could transform the food industry, emphasizing that sustainable packaging is not just about protecting products but also about safeguarding the environment. He called for a shift away from conventional plastics, which pose significant environmental hazards.
“Innovative sustainable packaging must meet all requirements for product safety, waste prevention, shelf life, hygiene, and health. Plastic packaging waste poses the biggest environmental challenge, with 40% of disposable food packaging ending up in ways that harm the environment, such as landfills and microplastics,” he explained.
Gbadegesin also highlighted sustainable packaging options, including bioplastics, biodegradable films, and plant-based materials, stressing their importance in creating a circular economy where packaging does not burden the environment but rather complements it. He underscored how these solutions can reduce waste and enhance product shelf life.
“Eco-friendly packaging solutions are not only beneficial for the environment but also align with consumer preferences. Statistics show that 45% of customers prefer environmentally responsible brands that offer eco-friendly food packaging. Out of these consumers, 44% stated that they would choose brands that support recycling and food waste reduction,” Gbadegesin added.
He concluded by saying, “As we navigate toward a greener future, biodegradable packaging remains a pivotal solution for a sustainable world. It offers businesses a chance to enhance their reputation while minimizing environmental impact, particularly in waste management and landfill diversion.”
The Director General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Segun Ajayi, also spoke at the event, highlighting the potential of smart packaging to ensure access to nutritious food. He reiterated MAN’s commitment to prioritizing consumer interests.
Other notable speakers included Vice President of the World Packaging Organisation, Mr. Koffi Essuman, Regional Director of Afrocet Montgomery, George Pearson, and President of the African Packaging Organisation, Ahmed Omeh.
