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.