ARSO Champions Sustainable Food Packaging Across Africa

The African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) is taking significant strides towards mitigating the environmental impact of production and consumption across the continent. Recognizing the urgent need to address pressing environmental challenges, ARSO is actively developing crucial standards under its technical committee on Food Packaging and Labelling (ARSO/TC 14).

This initiative directly aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

The development of these standards underscores ARSO’s commitment to fostering sustainable practices throughout the food value chain. The focus of ARSO/TC 14 encompasses a comprehensive approach to food packaging, addressing critical aspects such as:

• Migration from plastics: Setting limits on the transfer of harmful substances from plastic packaging into food.
• Paper and board in contact with foodstuffs: Ensuring the safety and suitability of paper and cardboard used for food packaging.
• Reuse, recycling, and disposal of materials related to food packaging: Promoting circular economy principles and minimizing waste generation.

In a significant step towards achieving these goals, ARSO/TC 14 is poised to publish draft standards for adoption by African Union member states. These upcoming drafts include:

1. FDARS 1721:2025 Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (rPET) for Food Contact: This standard will provide specifications for the use of recycled PET in food packaging, promoting the reuse of plastic materials and reducing reliance on virgin resources. This directly contributes to SDG 12 by encouraging responsible consumption and production patterns.
2. FDARS 1729:2025 Poly vinyl chloride (PVC) bottles for edible oils – Specification: This standard will establish specific requirements for PVC bottles used for edible oils, likely addressing aspects related to material safety, durability, and potential environmental impacts. This standard contributes to minimizing potential contamination and promoting safer packaging options.
3. FDARS 1730:2025, Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle for edible oils: This standard will outline the specifications for PET bottles used for edible oils, focusing on ensuring the quality and safety of the packaging while considering environmental factors. This aims to provide a benchmark for a widely used packaging material in the food industry.

The adoption of these standards by African Countries will be a pivotal moment in the continent’s journey towards environmental sustainability and implementation of the AfCFTA. By establishing clear guidelines for food packaging, ARSO is empowering industries to adopt more responsible practices, minimizing pollution that can harm both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems (SDG 14 and SDG 15). Furthermore, these standards will contribute to consumer safety by ensuring that food is packaged in materials that meet stringent quality and safety requirements.

ARSO’s proactive approach in developing these standards highlights the organization’s crucial role in driving sustainable development across Africa. By aligning with global frameworks like the SDGs and addressing specific regional needs, ARSO is fostering a future where economic growth is balanced with environmental stewardship.

The upcoming publication of these draft standards marks a significant milestone in this ongoing effort, paving the way for a more sustainable and environmentally conscious food packaging industry across the African continent.