NIFDA works collaboratively with our members and external partners to discuss challenges, share best practice and map our solutions. In 2019 we established a packaging forum, bringing together representatives from major companies across the food and drink sector in Northern Ireland to explore ways in which government and industry can work together to deliver practical solutions on plastics and packaging.

Plastic waste is an issue the industry is taking seriously. As a society we need to rethink our use of plastics, and at a government level there needs to be investment in better recycling infrastructure, and a reform of the system to drive up recycling rates. Our Packaging Forum meets on a regular basis to discuss these issues, share best practice and engage with government to assess what business can do to improve sustainability and be part of the solution.

Similarly, our environmental forum is exploring how the industry can enhance sustainability, reduce its environmental footprint and be part of the solution on UK net zero.

Through these forums and other NIFDA initiatives, we will continue to work with government at all levels to help deliver practical, workable solutions that are sustainable environmentally and economically.