ARSO enhances food safety, environmental sustainability with new packaging, labelling standards
This initiative underscores ARSO’s commitment to promoting sustainable practices throughout the food value chain, striking a balance between economic growth and environmental stewardship.
AFRICA – The African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO), a continental standardisation body, is developing crucial standards under its technical committee on Food Packaging and Labelling (ARSO/TC 14), recognising the urgent need to address pressing environmental challenges.
ARSO was formed in 1977 with the principal mandate to harmonise African standards, conformity assessment, and procedures to reduce technical trade barriers, promote intra-African and International Trade, and enhance Africa’s industrialisation.
With 43 member states, ARSO has currently published over 2011 African Regional Standards (ARS).
The ARSO/TC 14 features a comprehensive approach to food packaging. It addresses critical aspects of Migration from plastics by setting limits on the transfer of harmful substances from plastic packaging into food.
It further explores paper and board contact with foodstuff to ensure the safety and suitability of paper and cardboard used for food packaging, as well as the reuse, recycling, and disposal of materials related to food packaging to promote circular economy principles and minimise waste generation.
To achieve these goals, ARSO/TC 14 will publish draft standards for adoption by African Union member states.
FDARS 1721:2025 – Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (rPET) for Food Contact: This standard will provide specifications for the use of recycled PET in food packaging. It will promote the reuse of plastic materials and reduce reliance on virgin resources, which directly contributes to SDG 12 by encouraging responsible consumption and production patterns.
FDARS 1729:2025 – Poly vinyl chloride (PVC) bottles for edible oils: 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 minimising potential contamination and promoting safer packaging options.
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.
This initiative directly aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG14 (Life Below Water), and SDG15 (Life on Land), underscoring ARSO’s commitment to promoting sustainable practices throughout the food value chain and fostering a future where economic growth is balanced with environmental stewardship.
By establishing these guidelines for food packaging, ARSO is empowering industries to adopt more responsible practices, minimising pollution that can harm terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, and contributing to consumer safety by ensuring food is packaged in materials that meet quality and safety requirements.
Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.
