Brussels, 11 June 2014 - Association News
Pack2Go Europe to Mount Independent Checks for Dangerous Service Packaging
European manufacturers association vows to collect evidence across the EU on imported packaging that poses a threat
Meeting last week in Berlin, CEOs of Europe's leading food & beverage service & convenience packaging companies mandated Pack2Go Europe to start "policing" the EU service packaging market. The objective is to collect evidence that dangerous packs (notably from Asia) are being imported and sold on the European market. The Association will also be gathering details on who is marketing dangerous packaging.
Some incompetent or unscrupulous manufacturers in third countries are producing packs that don't meet European manufacturing, quality and safety standards designed to make sure that dangerous products are not used in the EU. Worse still, some importers and distributors are putting products on the EU market that do not meet these standards in reality. This means that such importers and distributors are responsible for dangerous products being used in food service outlets and catering operations, unbeknownst to the operators or consumers. Pack2Go Europe took the definitive decision to act after an in-depth briefing from specialist trade lawyer Laurent Ruessmann, a partner with leading international law firm Fieldfisher. The briefing covered the legal remedies and other instruments available to stop abuse.
"Importers and distributors are legally responsible for making sure they don't market dangerous service packaging. They are not doing enough to make sure the products they sell are safe," says Eamonn Bates, secretary general of Pack2Go Europe. "It's not good enough for distributors to hide behind questionable paper work provided by Asian manufacturers. They need to make sure products are safe. We will be looking for dialogue with the distributor community across Europe as soon as we know where the problems lie."
The investigative work by Pack2Go Europe follows consultation in November 2013 with the European Commission; with Prosafe; with British and Dutch trading standards and market control authorities; and the Belgian customs service.
"Dangerous service packaging has no place in the EU market place. It is time for everybody to take their responsibilities seriously and make sure that the standards we set in Europe for European manufacturers are met by foreign manufacturers too," continues Bates. "Customs and market surveillance authorities need to prioritise this and help stop the dangerous trade by making sure that transgressors are caught and held to account. But at the end of the day, its importers and distributors that need to do the right thing."
ENDS
Pack2Go Europe is the leading material neutral European Association representing the major foodservice packaging manufacturers who provide innovative single use packaging solutions, including cups, straws, carrier bags, napkins, clamshells, cutlery and numerous pre-formed containers and enclosures. Since 2012, Pack2Go Europe has played a pioneering role in catalysing the formation of the Clean Europe Network to promote litter prevention. The Association keeps close ties with its U.S. sister association, the Foodservice Packaging Institute.
All enquiries to:
Eamonn Bates, Pack2Go Europe Secretariat: +32 / 2 - 286.94.96 - info@pack2go-europe.com
