The public reaction to COP30 has been, to put it mildly, mixed. Delegates left Belém having made progress on adaptation, gender action, “just transition”, and climate finance – but crucially failed to agree on a plan to phase out fossil fuels. What does all of this mean for the packaging industry? Luciana Pellegrino, President of the World Packaging Organisation and Executive President at the Brazilian Packaging Association, attended the talks and gives us her perspective.
Brazil’s Minister of the Environment concluded her statement at COP30 by noting: “We have made progress, albeit modest.” Despite the urgent scenario of climate change, reaching several governmental targets – especially the global reduction of fossil fuel use and emissions – proved challenging. Nevertheless, 122 of the 196 participating countries submitted updated proposals for their national climate action plans, representing a significant step forward.
Beyond the official negotiations, much more transpired during COP30, particularly at the industry level. As a representative from Brazil, I had a unique perspective on the discussions and initiatives that extended beyond the public eye.
It has become clear that achieving the climate targets of COP30 will require more than just government action; it necessitates active involvement from the private sector, including organizations, companies, industry coalitions, and civil society. These stakeholders will play critical roles in developing and implementing concrete action plans that can eventually inform policy at a larger scale.
The proactive stance of the private sector is already having a positive impact on advancing sustainable projects. At this year’s conference, the World Packaging Organisation (WPO), UNIDO, and FSSC Foundation hosted a special session at the Action On Food Hub (AOFH) to elevate the voice of packaging. This session aimed to raise awareness and funds at both governmental and private levels to enhance sustainable food chains globally, with successful cases demonstrated in countries like Cambodia and Mongolia.
Representing WPO and the Brazilian Packaging Association (ABRE) at COP30 was both a unique and inspiring experience. It deepened my understanding of the private sector’s and civil society’s vital roles in addressing climate change while also showcasing opportunities to forge strategic connections for collaborative projects.
The event unfolded across three main zones: the Green Zone, which was open to the public and showcased private and public organizations, including initiatives highlighting Indigenous communities and recyclers; the Blue Zone, restricted to UN-registered participants, where government meetings and negotiations took place; and the Yellow Zone, focused on agriculture. Each booth in these pavilions served as a platform for sharing projects, discussing the impact of new policies, and raising awareness about climate change issues.
COP30 extended beyond the UN zones, with numerous activities taking place throughout Belém, fostering discussions and connections that surpassed the confines of the conference. These behind-the-scenes actions – bold collaborations driven by the private sector, civil society, and governmental branches – highlighted the numerous initiatives aimed at advancing climate action in environmental, economic, and social dimensions.
While COP30 covered a wide range of topics related to climate change, all discussions pointed toward a singular, overarching goal: securing sustainable development for contemporary society. The packaging industry plays a pivotal role in this mission. From the perspective of WPO, our presence at COP30 was the culmination of two years of preparation.
Together with UNIDO, we committed to ensuring that packaging – crucial for sustainable development – was included in the climate dialogue. This journey began at COP28 in Dubai, during which WPO, UNIDO, and the International Atomic Energy Agency participated for the first time to lead discussions on sustainable food systems. We focused on how packaging technologies can contribute to sustainable food chains by reducing food loss and waste.
The link between food systems and climate impact is undeniable yet often overlooked. If food loss and waste were a country, it would rank as the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, trailing only behind the United States and China. According to the FAO, food loss and waste account for approximately 8% of global emissions. These figures underscore the urgency of integrating packaging into climate policy discussions, particularly given that around 800 million people suffer from malnutrition or starvation.
At COP28, 160 countries signed a Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems, and Climate Change, formally including this crucial debate in the COP agenda. Building on this foundation, WPO and UNIDO, alongside Wageningen University and Research, have developed a science-based paper titled ”Navigating the Food Loss and Waste Paradox: Balancing Food Loss and Waste with Safe Food Packaging.” This paper aims to provide data and evidence while addressing the challenges of driving sustainable food chains that balance food and packaging waste.
Additionally, ABRE engaged in discussions at COP30 about how to foster consumer involvement in proper waste disposal and recycling. The packaging industry has evolved, developing technologies for recyclable packaging and reusing recycled materials, but establishing an effective circular system requires a holistic approach. This includes proper reverse logistics, sorting systems, and consumer engagement, all supported by appropriate policies.
Lastly, we participated in a roundtable discussion hosted by Tetra Pak and UNIDO, moderated by Wageningen University and Research, to form an alliance focused on the hidden middle of the food supply chain and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Each COP generates vital momentum for engaging society in climate action awareness and commitments, and it foster new connections and the opportunity for collaboration. COP30 welcomed the global community to Belém, situated in the heart of the Amazon, allowing participants to witness firsthand the challenges of protecting this crucial rainforest.
There is much work ahead, and time is of the essence in achieving climate balance. Every stakeholder must play their part – from governments setting clear directions and proposing effective regulations to drive sustainable development, to the private sector, organizations, and civil society committing to substantial action. Collaborative efforts at all levels are essential, as we strive to create a resilient and sustainable future for our planet.
In this interconnected endeavor, the role of packaging – and its contributions to sustainability – cannot be underestimated. By working together and leveraging each other’s strengths, we can turn challenges into opportunities and forge pathways toward a more sustainable world.
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