The meat industry avoided the emission of 62,193 tons of CO2 thanks to the recycling of its packaging in 2020
The meat products and charcuterie sector has continued to contribute during 2020 to the protection of the environment, avoiding the emission of 62,193 mt of CO2 equivalent thanks to the recycling of its packaging, according to the certificate issued by the organization Ecoembalajes España (Ecoembes).
This means that the meat industries participating in the household packaging waste management model, managed by Ecoembes, avoided 7.4% more greenhouse gas emissions than in 2019 (57,901 tons) and 27.4% more than in the previous year, when the industries avoided the emission of 48,810 tons of CO2.
For their part, the eco-design measures implemented since 2012 in the meat industry, a total of 1,306 packaging improvement measures, have led to savings of 6,802,968 kilograms of raw materials.
Packaging is a very important element in the meat sector, since it helps to protect food from physical, chemical, and microbiological deterioration processes, maintaining its quality and prolonging its shelf life.
Due to consumer awareness of the environmental problems of packaging and the correct management of packaging waste, consumers are demanding packaging which, in addition to prolonging the shelf life of food, is more sustainable.
The meat sector is firmly committed to increasing the environmental sustainability of its industries, in which the recycling and eco-design of its packaging is a fundamental part.