Green light for SUP directive satisfying circular economy and paper supply chain

The Italian agricultural sector is facing significant challenges in adopting ecological and economically sustainable practices, while grappling with farmer unrest, the urgency of the climate transition, and complex management at the European level. The Farmers' Crisis in Italy: Economic and Industrial Repercussions. Farmers' protests have spread across several European countries, from France to Italy, driven by reasons including the reduction of EU subsidies and the perception of excessive restrictions. Let's explore all the details in the rest of the article. Read also: “Suez Canal Crisis: The Agri-Food Sector Also Pays the Consequences” What is Happening to Agriculture in Italy Between 2005 and 2020, 5.3 million farms disappeared in Europe, nearly 600,000 of which were Italian. The pandemic, the war in Ukraine, inflation, and climate events have further complicated the situation, with a 25% increase in the prices of agricultural goods and services in 2022. Dissent in the agri-food sector stemmed from measures to make food production "greener," criticism of the European Union's restrictive agricultural policies, and rules requiring land to be left fallow to preserve biodiversity. In Italy, the Comitato Agricoltori Traditi (Betrayed Farmers Committee) led the protest against restrictive EU agricultural policies and the stance of traditional sector organizations. Farmers complain about declining incomes, taxes on inactive vehicles, and demand an urgent dialogue with Parliament. An Unsustainable and Inadequate Agricultural Model The #CambiamoAgricoltura Coalition (a coalition formed in 2017 to demand a CAP reform that protects all farmers, citizens, and the environment) also criticizes national and EU agricultural policies, arguing that they have created an unsustainable and unjust agricultural model. The interests of industrial supply chains have prevailed at the expense of agricultural workers, human and environmental health, and animal welfare. Farmers and consumers are considered the weakest links in the chain, while powerful industrial actors have increased their profits and political influence. Agricultural protests are directed at the European Green Deal due to its environmental implications and alleged negative consequences on the sustainability and prosperity of the agricultural sector. Indeed, the European Green Deal is blamed for causing the crisis in the primary sector. Derogations from environmental commitments, such as reducing pesticide use and nature conservation, compromise the goals of the "Farm to Fork" and "Biodiversity 2030" strategies. Climate change is identified as a serious threat to agriculture, with direct and indirect impacts on production, the environment, and food security. The Coalition further maintains that farmers' hardship is caused by multiple factors, including unfair distribution of aid, lack of support for changing the production model, and conflicts of interest in the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy. It highlights the need for subsidies geared toward economic sustainability and the numerical growth of farms, encouraging the ecological transition. Is the Consequence an Agroecological Transition? The majority of farmers, oppressed by the dominant actors in the supply chain, express growing discomfort and distrust in the agri-food system. Agricultural protests, initially focused on environmental protection, are the result of multiple reasons, including structural problems within the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Despite the agro-environmental rules introduced with little success, the unfair distribution of aid persists, rewarding large corporations at the expense of small ones. Agricultural corporations, by defending a payment system based on historical entitlements, favor large landowners over small and medium-sized farmers, leading to the closure of many businesses. The rhetoric of the farmer as the custodian of the environment has not helped in understanding the necessary evolution of agriculture's social and environmental role. Thus, the need for an agroecological transition is proposed, supported by public subsidies geared toward economic sustainability and the numerical growth of farms. Agroecological practices, as demonstrated by the 2023 agricultural year, can guarantee both environmental protection and farmers' income. The #CambiamoAgricoltura Coalition urges key stakeholders to avoid weakening CAP rules, pointing out that such actions will hinder the transition toward a fair, healthy, and environmentally friendly food system. It also invites an open debate on the true causes of the economic crisis in the primary sector, pointing to an unfair agri-food system that favors large corporations over small producers and consumers. Economic and Industrial Implications of the Agricultural Crisis Unemployment: The agricultural crisis has a direct impact on employment in rural areas, where many families depend directly on the agricultural sector. The loss of jobs has significant consequences for the social and economic fabric of local communities; Decline in National Production: This has knock-on implications for the domestic food supply, increasing reliance on imports and affecting the country's food self-sufficiency; Reduction in Agricultural GDP: The agricultural crisis contributes to a decrease in the agricultural sector's contribution to Italy's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), negatively impacting the economy as a whole; Impact on the Agri-Food Supply Chain: The farmers' crisis has significant consequences along the agri-food supply chain, involving producers, processors, and distributors. The fragility of the chain can undermine the security and diversity of the food supply. The farmers' crisis in Italy is not just a challenge for the agricultural sector, but an issue that impacts the entire national economy. Addressing this crisis requires collaboration among government, industry, and local communities to implement sustainable solutions and promote the revival of a strong and resilient agricultural sector. Only through a joint commitment can we preserve the agricultural and industrial wealth that has characterized Italy for generations. See also: “Climate Change and Environmental Impact: Summer 2023 the Hottest in History”

From September 12th to 27th at the Galleria San Ludovico, Borgo del Parmigianino in Parma. The aim is to share, through videos and multimedia stations, even with non-experts, the fundamental role of food packaging, illustrating the birth and evolution of the technologies that have allowed, and continue to allow, food—in any state and shape—to be packaged, portioned, and consumed in absolute hygiene and safety. The exhibition also highlights the industrial realities of the Parma district and the surrounding territories that have significantly contributed to the development of this sector. There are 9 sectors featured in the exhibition: water and beverage, dairy, oil-wine-beer, canned fish, secondary packaging, coffee, pasta, and meat. OPEN EVERY DAY 10:00 - 17:00 • SATURDAY AND SUNDAY 10:30 - 18:30 • CLOSED ON TUESDAY

Packaging Première 2024, the Milanese event dedicated to the world of packaging, has unveiled a series of innovations destined to revolutionize the way brands interact with consumers. Whether you are a jeweler, a clothing retailer, or a food delivery business, the trends that emerged from this event are essential to remain competitive and offer your customers an unforgettable experience. Packaging Première 2024: the trends that are redefining the future of packaging. Imagine opening a box and discovering a treasure. A sparkling piece of jewelry, a haute couture dress, or even a delicious takeaway dish. Packaging is the first impression, the anticipation of an experience. And at Packaging Première 2024 in Milan, we saw how this experience is about to be revolutionized. From sustainability winning consumers' hearts to minimalist design whispering elegance, from personalization creating unique bonds to technology making packaging smart, all the way to innovative food delivery solutions that bring convenience to a new level. Read also: “How to find the best packaging for your product?” 1. Sustainability: much more than a buzzword Sustainability is no longer an option, but a fundamental requirement for any brand wanting to win consumer trust. At Packaging Première 2024, attention to the environment was evident in every aspect: Eco-friendly materials: recycled cardboard, unbleached kraft paper, and biodegradable plastic have become the norm. The biodegradable "disco bio" case, made with compostable materials, is a clear example of how innovation can go hand in hand with sustainability. Reusable packaging: companies are investing in creative solutions to give new life to packaging. Jewelry cases that transform into elegant storage boxes or shopping bags made of durable fabric are just a few examples of how packaging can become a valuable item for the customer while reducing environmental impact. Circular economy: the concept of "reuse" also extends to materials. Many companies are experimenting with packaging made from production waste, such as cosmetics packaging created with dried orange peels. 2. Minimalist design: the art of simplicity Minimalism continues to dominate the world of design, and packaging is no exception. Clean lines, neutral colors (white, beige, light gray), and essential geometric shapes are the key elements of this trend. Jewelry: in the jewelry sector, minimalist design is particularly effective. A simple and elegant case enhances the beauty of the piece of jewelry without distractions, creating an aura of luxury and refinement. Clothing: in the clothing sector too, minimalist packaging is gaining ground. Kraft paper bags with a logo printed in black, white boxes with embossed details: these are solutions that communicate quality and style without needing excesses. Food delivery: takeaway food can also be presented in an elegant and minimalist way. Recycled cardboard containers with a clean design and essential graphics are an ecological and trendy alternative to classic plastic containers. 3. Personalization: the unique touch that makes the difference Personalization is the key to creating a memorable purchasing experience. At Packaging Première 2024, we saw a wide range of solutions to make every single package unique: Digital printing: digital printing allows you to customize each package with names, initials, special messages, or images. Imagine a jewelry case engraved with the recipient's name or a shopping bag with custom graphics for a special event. Labels and ribbons: adhesive labels with personalized messages, colored ribbons with the brand logo, or wax seals with the customer's initials are details that make the difference. Unboxing experience: opening the package has become a crucial moment in the customer experience. Packaging with surprise openings, layers of colored tissue paper, small gifts, or handwritten notes transform unboxing into an event to be shared on social media. 4. Technology: packaging becomes smart The integration of technology into packaging is opening up new possibilities for brands. Rfid and nfc: these technologies allow products to be tracked throughout the entire supply chain, ensuring authenticity and quality. Furthermore, they can be used to provide additional information to customers via smartphone, such as the history of a piece of jewelry or care instructions for a garment. Smart inks: thermochromic and photochromic inks change color based on temperature or light, creating surprising and interactive visual effects. Imagine a box of chocolates that changes color when opened or a wine label that reveals a secret message when exposed to sunlight. Interactive packaging: packaging can become a true communication tool. QR codes linking to videos, augmented reality animating the boxes, interactive games engaging the customer: the possibilities are endless. 5. Food delivery: packaging that wins over the palate The food delivery sector is continuously growing, and packaging plays a fundamental role in ensuring food quality and freshness, as well as offering a pleasant consumption experience. Compostable containers: containers made from sugarcane, bamboo, or PLA (a type of bioplastic derived from renewable sources) are an ecological alternative to plastic containers. They are resistant, suitable for contact with food, and decompose naturally. Functional design: food delivery packaging must be practical and easy to use. Containers with separate compartments to keep foods divided, airtight lids to prevent leaks, compostable cutlery, and recycled paper napkins are details that make the difference. Branding: food delivery packaging can also be an opportunity to strengthen brand identity. Colors, logo, and eye-catching graphics can transform a simple container into an effective communication vehicle. The future of packaging is already here Packaging Première 2024 has shown that packaging is much more than a simple wrapper. It is a powerful marketing tool, a way to communicate your brand values and create an emotional bond with your customers. Don't wait any longer: contact us for a personalized consultation and discover how the latest trends in packaging can transform your business. See also: “The packaging in the eCommerce strategy: the new frontiers”