The managing director of Tetra Pak West Africa, Haithem Debbiche, has expressed the company’s commitment to sustainability and investment in Nigeria’s packaging industry.
He spoke at the recently held Propak exhibition, where he highlighted how Tetra Pak aims to align its operations with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while addressing pressing issues such as food safety and waste reduction.
With over 50 years in Nigeria, Tetra Pak is not only showcasing its innovative packaging solutions but is also eager to engage with local stakeholders.
“Our vision is to make food safe and available everywhere. As a leader in food packaging, Tetra Pak is committed to using renewable, responsibly sourced materials,” Debbiche stated, noting the importance of environmentally friendly products that extend shelf life without refrigeration, thus benefiting local producers.
Debbiche also further addressed the alarming food waste issue in Nigeria, estimating that around 40% of agricultural production is lost annually.
Tetra Pak’s recent initiative to introduce smaller packaging sizes such as 50 ml containers for evaporated milk aims to tackle this problem by catering to consumer needs and reducing waste.
Debbiche noted that Tetra Pak is working on innovative packaging solutions, including a shift towards paper-based products that enhance recyclability. The company has partnered with local recycler Wecyclers to collect and process used cartons, ensuring they are recycled rather than discarded improperly.
Reflecting on the future, Debbiche expressed optimism about the African market, stating that while the continent may lag in sustainability initiatives, Tetra Pak is pioneering efforts that could lead to significant advancements.
He called for supportive government policies to foster investment and improve the value chain in the packaging industry.
Read Also: Tetra Pak wraps ‘Dairy Dairies’ campaign
While Tetra Pak currently operates without a local factory, Debbiche mentioned there is a possibility of starting operations if demand increases significantly. “We need to sell three times more to make that submission for investment,” he explained.
During the first day of the industry event, Tetra Pak’s Sustainability Manager for Maghreb and West Africa, Aida Gaha, alongside Clement Sunday, Marketing & Portfolio Director for Tetra Pak West Africa, led a presentation titled: “Enabling the Transition to Secure, Sustainable, and Resilient Food Systems.”
The presentation explored the company’s recycling programs and efforts to reduce packaging waste across West Africa. Tetra Pak’s commitment to fostering economic growth was showcased, with an emphasis on collaborative efforts to provide essential equipment and training to improve productivity. “Small steps,” they noted, “can create significant community impact.”
