On International Day Against Climate Change, ARECO reaffirms its commitment to sustainability by promoting reusable packaging in the distribution of agri-food products, whose carbon footprint is 87% lower than that of single-use packaging.
The International Day Against Climate Change, celebrated worldwide on October 24, is a global and unified response to the challenge posed by this phenomenon. This date, promoted by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), aims to raise awareness about the urgent need to address this issue. Its significance goes beyond being just an event on the calendar, as it serves as a warning that climate change is a real threat requiring urgent global action.
The International Day Against Climate Change reminds us of our shared responsibility to take concrete measures to mitigate and adapt to these changes. Directed at governments, businesses, and citizens, this day serves as a reminder that through collective action and with commitment, we can begin to reverse the climate situation and build a more sustainable future for generations to come.
Climate change has already significantly impacted both human and natural systems. Limiting global warming to less than 2°C by 2050 requires a substantial reduction in global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (1). Although the window of opportunity to limit warming to 1.5°C is shrinking, achieving this Paris Agreement target remains technically feasible, and the benefits of securing this future are enormous.
Reducing GHG can be the first line of defense by helping to decrease the frequency and severity of the impacts that vulnerable communities worldwide must adapt to, while also minimizing some (though not all) losses and damages. Mitigating climate change, which directly leads to biodiversity loss, can also reduce the risk of irreversible loss and degradation of ecosystems (2).
In recognition of the International Day for Climate Action, ARECO reaffirms its commitment to sustainability by highlighting the environmental benefits of reusable plastic crates in agri-food distribution. The activities of the operators within ARECO contribute to the solution by offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional single-use cardboard boxes.
Reusable crates, designed for efficient and durable transport, significantly reduce the carbon footprint associated with the product supply chain. On this important day, ARECO emphasizes the role of businesses in driving sustainable innovation and helping to mitigate the effects of climate change. According to a study conducted by the UNESCO Chair in Life Cycle and Climate Change (3), the carbon footprint of reusable transport crates (RTCs) is nearly 87% lower than that of single-use cardboard boxes. This substantial difference highlights the environmental benefits of transitioning to reusable packaging solutions, as they offer a more sustainable alternative by drastically reducing greenhouse gas emissions and overall resource consumption.
By adopting these reusable crates, companies in the fresh produce sector can take a significant step towards reducing waste and lowering their overall environmental impact, aligning with the principles of the International Day for Climate Action.
References:
(1) Karlsson, I., Rootzén, J., & Johnsson, F. (2020). Reaching net-zero carbon emissions in construction supply chains – Analysis of a Swedish road construction project. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 120, 109651. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2019.109651
(2) System change lab. (2023). STATE OF CLIMATE ACTION 2023. https://climateactiontracker.org/documents/1179/State_of_Climate_Action_2023_-_November_2023.pdf
(3) BALA, A., and FULLANA, P., (2017). Análisis comparado de diferentes opcines de distribución de frutas y verduras en españa basado en el ACV, Cátedra UNESCO de Ciclo de Vida y Cambio Climático. ECSI-UPF. https://areco.org.es/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Memoria_final_Estudio_ACV_ARECO.pdf
