Do organic food packaging standards go far enough?

Have you noticed when purchasing certified organic products that the packaging used tends to be lighter and more economical than the packaging used in equivalent conventionally produced items. I have. Prior to switching to an organic lifestyle, my trashcan would be full to overflowing on an almost daily basis. It wasn’t that I was constantly eating, it’s just that - like most people in the United States - I had become accustomed to discarding tonnes of plastic, styrofoam, paper and cardboard each year. I’m happy to report that, more often than not, my trashcan now remains empty for several days in a row. The compost heap out the back ensures that very little goes to waste.

But not all organic products are created equal. Sure, that’s a given you’re saying. Some are better than others! But what I mean to say is that not all organic food items are packaged as responsibly as others. Some organic food manufacturers seem to go the extra mile by ensuring their products are packaged economically and conservatively. In doing so, at least in my opinion, these manufacturers are embodying the true spirit of the organic movement. Rather than adopting a mere compliance approach to organics, as some manufacturers seem to be doing, they are looking to improve not only their bottom line, but also the state of the planet.

So, I recently took it upon myself to find out whether there was any imperative, voluntary or mandated, that requires organic food producers to package their products in an environmentally friendly manner. Here’s what I’ve discovered.

The International Federation of Organic Agricultural Movement (IFOAM) is generally recognized as the source from which country-specific organic principles are derived. IFOAM publish a series of norms and principles to guide organic production and processing. Within the current (Version 2005) IFOAM Norms For Organic Production, section 6.5 deals specifically with packaging. In relation to packaging the following applies:

General Principle
Organic product packaging has minimal adverse impacts on the product or on the environment.
Recommendations
Processors of organic food should avoid unnecessary packaging materials.
Organic food should be packaged in reusable, recycled, recyclable, and biodegradable packaging whenever possible.
Standards shall require that:
6.5.1 Packaging material shall not contaminate organic food.
6.5.2 Packaging materials, and storage containers, or bins that contain a synthetic fungicide, preservative, or fumigant are prohibited.
6.5.3 Organic produce shall not be packaged in reused bags or containers that have been in contact with any substance likely to compromise the organic integrity of product or ingredient placed in those containers.

Accordingly, while there exists an overarching recommendation that organic producers package their products in an environmentally responsible manner, there does not appear to be any legislative imperative for them to comply with this recommendation.

While initially I was quite surprised by my findings, upon reflection, they’ve started to make sense. After all, a product doesn’t cease to be organic merely because it has been over-packaged. In a manner consistent with the principles laid out by IFOAM, a product would cease to be organic only if it had been contaminated as a consequence of its packaging being constructed with, or exposed to, a prohibited substance. Indeed, the task of determining whether a particular product’s packaging was or was not environmentally friendly would be a fairly subjective undertaking, and would likely fall beyond the scope of those called upon to conduct organic production facility audits. Accordingly, it seems reasonable, and indeed more sensible, that a general recommendation approach is adopted by standard setters.

Fortunately, the vast majority of organic processors stay true to the spirit of the movement rather than merely complying with its minimum requirements. However, I believe there’s room for some manufacturers of processed organic food items to improve their act. About a week ago, my wife wanted to purchase some organic cookies. Actually, so did I – so much for my diet! Anyway, I won’t mention the brand, save to say that you’ve very likely seen them on the shelf of your favorite organic and whole food retailer. By any reasonable assessment, the packaging of these cookies was excessive. In fact, there was more packaging than there was cookie. Having been raised by Scottish parents, that’s a trigger for me at the best of times. So, even though the cookies looked good, as I’m sure they were, we decided not to purchase them. Don’t worry, I’ve made the company responsible aware of our concerns. I sent them a polite letter outlining much of the above. I’m yet to hear back, but I’ll be interested in their response.

So, if like me, you’re keen to ensure that our planet is maintained for future generations, you might want to take a good look at the packaging of processed organic food items prior to making a purchase. As a consumer, if you feel that the packaging of an organic item is unnecessary or inappropriate, why not let the manufacturer know. After all, if those dedicated to the organic movement can’t get it right, what are the chances of conventional manufacturers, who tend to be less environmentally conscious, going the extra yards to save the environment?