PMA advancing efforts in PLU improvements

Newark, De – Produce Marketing Association (PMA) BB #:153708 has introduced a breadth of efforts to advance innovation and trade involvement with regulators on PLU stickers.

This follows the choice for a lot of nations throughout Europe to go rules that ban non-home compostable PLU stickers, the one efficient approach to allow retailers to offer bulk produce to customers.

In 1988, PMA initiated a volunteer committee to develop options to make sure the accuracy within the worth customers are charged for recent vegetables and fruit bought in bulk, or unfastened, at retail. The answer grew to become the IFPS PLU codes that we see right this moment. These codes are administered and ruled by the International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS) and have a 4-5 digit code printed on a sticker that’s then affixed to the fruit or vegetable.

While these stickers are meals grade, the bulk in use right this moment don’t meet the requirements for being thought of “home compostable”, which is being utilized in many areas, particularly Europe, to satisfy new environmental rules. A universally relevant “Home Compostable” PLU sticker doesn’t exist but.

“The PLU sticker is an essential solution to a complex challenge facing retailers, allowing their consumers to clearly understand pricing while also having the flexibility to buy only the amount they want” defined PMA VP of Supply Chain and Sustainability, Ed Treacy. “The alternative to PLU stickers is to package all produce, leading to an increase in plastics and packaging material and limiting choices for consumers or a reduction in premium varieties offered for sale, including organics.”

PMA has been working alongside USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) to assist them in outreach to regulators in nations like Spain and France. The affiliation has submitted public feedback to France and not too long ago submitted public feedback to the Spanish authorities on the proposed rule on lowering plastic waste which eliminates the usage of PLU stickers.

“It is important for us to reduce the need for single use packaging, and we appreciate the steps many regulators are taking to put sustainability front and center in their solutions,” stated PMA Chief Science Officer, Dr. Max Teplitski. “However, the use of PLU stickers relate to optimizing operational efficiency and consumer choice which helps us fight food waste. In order to ensure we’re not simply trading one problem for another, we believe any solution requires investment in innovations informed by those in the industry. We profoundly appreciate USDA FAS making exactly that kind of investment.”

The USDA FAS made analysis funding obtainable beneath the Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops (TASC) program to help within the improvement of a house compostable PLU sticker. The program funds initiatives that deal with sanitary, phytosanitary, and technical boundaries that prohibit or threaten the export of U.S. specialty crops.

PMA made their label service supplier members conscious of the funding obtainable and PMA member, Sinclair International, with USDA Agriculture Research Service (ARS) had been profitable in acquiring a analysis grant from USDA FAS to develop a house compostable PLU sticker.

PMA was additionally requested by USAD ARS to help in communications efforts to teach on the significance of produce packaging and PLU stickers because it pertains to export necessities. PMA’s Ed Treacy will serve in that function throughout the November 17-18 2021 Annual Workshop for the United States Agricultural Export Development Council (US AEDC) the place he’ll present trade context in a breakout on single use plastics ban in France and past.

“PMA is grateful for the invitation to participate on behalf of the industry,” stated Teplitski. “We will continue to educate consumers, thought leaders and influencers on the importance of PLU stickers in fighting food loss, reducing single use packaging waste and promoting the consumption of fresh produce.”

About Produce Marketing Association

Produce Marketing Association (PMA) is the main commerce affiliation representing corporations from each phase of the worldwide produce and floral provide chain. PMA helps members develop by offering connections that broaden enterprise alternatives and enhance gross sales and consumption. For extra info, go to www.pma.com.