
Last Thursday, March 21, the sustainability day was promoted by the Cluster Foodservice with the participation of other companies such as: Barry Callebaut, Areas and Duni. Also, we have the support of Ecoembes, Ecovidrio and the Waste Agency of Catalonia.
The day was a meeting between companies in the sector in order to integrate sustainability into business activity efficiently and profitably.
The space La Paisana from Casa Gracia hosted for this meeting companies associated with the cluster and others such as: COCA-COLA, AECOC, FONT VELLA, EVIAN, MAHOU, AENA, HAMER, SAN MIGUEL and MENSH.
Following the program, led the talk by the associate company Barry Callebaut explaining its model of integral sustainability and how the chocolate industry faces serious problems that put its supply at risk. María José Cristòfol- Sales & Marketing Director and Ruvarashe Chinyemba- Sustainability Brand Development Manager affirm that the norm of making sustainable chocolate requires a movement that involves the whole industry, we must raise awareness.
Next, Félix Gómex- Director Concepts & Standards of Spain and Portugal to Areas, explained his strategy of sustainability based on a circular model with two permanent challenges: reduce the carbon footprint and respect ethical principles. Also, took the opportunity to introduce the project they have promoted together with the Cluster Foodservice, Circular Journey, to reduce the consumption of plastic in their establishments. This project aims to develop cleaner working methods with a totally sustainable spirit. The main objective of this project is to improve the negative effects generated by packaging in the field of restoration.
Continuing with the same theme, Nuria Martinez of the company Duni accompanied us explaining her case of success and introduced the subject of labels or product certificates. If a food package is labeled 100% compostable, recyclable or biodegradable but does not have a certificate that approves it, it is because it has some part of its product that is not and should be specified. The main objective of the company is to help the client to have a more sustainable image and reduce the carbon footprint year after year.
The Waste Agency of Catalonia, introduced sustainability proposals and different approaches to sustainable models. Starting from the basis that the most important thing now is the prevention of waste and in the event that it is generated, that it can at least be reused or recycled. We must try to fight to change the conception in which the price is a barrier for the client. We have to work together to build a better future and thus contribute to improving the environment.
In this issue Ecoembes also gave us support, explaining the challenges of the future of packaging in the framework of the circular economy. The main objective is to provide value to companies so that they evolve towards more efficient collection systems and also clarify that they are committed to the automation of plants and the improvement of effectiveness. It aims to set more demanding recycling and collection objectives, highlighting the importance of the reuse of packaging.
On the other hand, Ecovidrio wanted to raise awareness of the importance of glass recycling in the hospitality sector exposing its commitment to the packaging industry.
Ecovidrio aims to ensure that all glass grouped in green containers is 100% recycled, make companies aware of the importance of developing more sustainable packaged products and finally sensitize the citizens of the hospitality sector about the Importance of recycling glass.
Before finishing the day, we organized a “face to face” debate with all the attendees where the solutions to the challenges were sought, through agreements between the participating companies.