Leading representatives from the European food industry have joined forces with the European Commission to launch the European Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) Round Table following a meeting on 6 May.
The Round Table's objectives will be to establish scientifically reliable and uniform environmental assessment methodologies for food and drink products by 2011, as well as identifying means of communication to consumers and reporting on continuous improvement initiatives.
EC representatives have backed the initiative, highlighting economic aspects, food safety, quality, security and environmental standards as key factors in sustainability.
'There is only one planet,' said Jean Martin, president of CIAA. 'We must use our resources wisely for the sake of consumers and businesses. It is imperative to develop sound methodologies to fight consumer confusion.'
Copa/Cogeca secretary general Pekka Pesonen stressed the importance of sustainability and said that a 'global holistic approach' towards sustainable consumption and production would be necessary.
