– Regrets 40% Agric Product Waste Annually
LAGOS – Tetra Pak West Africa, has expressed its continuous commitment to sustainability and investment in Nigeria’s packaging industry.
The company also regretted that an estimated 40 per cent agricultural food is wasted annually in the country.
Haithem Debbiche, Managing Director of Tetra Pak West Africa, made this statement at the Propak exhibition held recently in Nigeria.
A statement by the company, said that Debbiche at the exhibition, highlighted how Tetra Pak aimed to align its operations with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while addressing pressing issues such as food safety and waste reduction.
The Managing Director explained that with the company’s over 50 years in Nigeria, it was not only showcasing its innovative packaging solutions, but also eager to engage with local stakeholders.
He said: “Our vision is to make food safe and available everywhere. As a leader in food packaging, Tetra Pak is committed to using renewable, responsibly sourced materials.”
Debbiche noted the importance of environmentally-friendly products that extend shelf life without refrigeration, thereby benefiting local producers.
According to Debbiche no fewer than estimated 40 per cent agricultural foods are wasted in Nigeria annually.
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Tetra Pak’s recent initiative to introduce smaller packaging sizes such as 50 ml containers for evaporated milk aims to tackle this problem by catering to consumer needs and reducing waste, the company said.
Debbiche further noted that Tetra Pak was working on innovative packaging solutions, including a shift towards paper-based products that enhance recyclability.
The company has partnered with local recycler Wecyclers to collect and process used cartons, ensuring they are recycled rather than discarded improperly.
Reflecting on the future, Debbiche expressed optimism about the African market, stating that while the continent may lag behind in sustainability initiatives, Tetra Pak was pioneering efforts that could lead to significant advancements.
He called for supportive government policies to foster investment and improve the value chain in the packaging industry.
While Tetra Pak currently operates without a local factory, Debbiche mentioned there is a possibility of starting operations if demand increases significantly.
“We need to sell three times more to make that submission for investment,” he explained.
During the first day of the industry event, Aida Gaha, Tetra Pak’s Sustainability Manager for Maghreb and West Africa, alongside Clement Sunday, Marketing & Portfolio Director for Tetra Pak West Africa, led a presentation titled: ‘Enabling the Transition to Secure, Sustainable, and Resilient Food Systems.”
The presentation explored the company’s recycling programs and efforts to reduce packaging waste across West Africa.
Tetra Pak’s commitment to fostering economic growth was showcased, with emphasis on collaborative efforts to provide essential equipment and training to improve productivity.
