With the upcoming implementation of European regulations concerning traceability and digital passports, the food and drink packaging industry must enhance its dedication to packaging safety, transparency, and sustainability. In this landscape, wooden packaging presents a natural and secure solution adaptable to comply with new regulatory standards.
Digital Passport: Defining Packaging Identity
The Spanish Federation of Wood Packaging and its Components (FEDEMCO) has made significant strides in innovation by introducing a digital passport for wooden packaging. This passport is easily accessible through a unique QR code on each box, providing immediate access to vital information regarding traceability, sustainability, recyclability, and certifications such as ECOWOOX®, GROW®, FSC, and PEFC.
This initiative not only simplifies compliance with regulations but also delivers concrete benefits for the entire industry and consumers alike. “The digital passport reinforces trust in the supply chain, offering consumers direct access to the most relevant information,” remarks Emilio J. Pérez, CEO of FEDEMCO. “A QR code on a wooden container provides transparency about origin, sustainability, and recyclability, enabling consumers to make more informed and responsible choices,” he adds.
Pilot Phase Backed by Industry Support
Following an initial semester dedicated to assembling a multidisciplinary team in collaboration with technological partners to create the digital platform, the project has now entered its pilot phase. This digital passport initiative received unanimous approval during FEDEMCO’s general assembly and is currently being developed with contributions from various companies within the sector. “Companies view regulations as a challenge, but also as an opportunity for differentiation,” states Pérez. “More than 80% of fruit and vegetable packaging in Spain and Portugal already holds ECOWOOX® certification and can emphasize this to consumers.”
To facilitate a smooth transition into this new digital era, FEDEMCO will offer technical advice, training materials, and a practical guide for the entire value chain, enhancing the effectiveness at every stage.
This project has also been deemed eligible for subsidies under the Reindustrialization Strategy of the Valencian Community 2024–2028, benefiting from support for sectoral associations through the INENTI program by the Ministry of Innovation, Industry, Commerce, and Tourism.
Visit FEDEMCO at Fruit Attraction
Industry professionals interested in boosting transparency, safety, and sustainability within the food and drink sustainable packaging supply chain are encouraged to visit the Spanish federation’s stand at Fruit Attraction: Hall 3, Stand 3B23.
