The European Paper Packaging Alliance (EPPA) is a not-for-profit association representing food and food service packaging companies from across Europe. EPPA’s priority is to provide paper-based low carbon and health-safe products with a low environmental impact and improved recycling solutions to the European population. EPPA supports science-based EU policies that foster sustainable and efficient use of resources, and recognises the major role that packaging, as an essential infrastructure, can play in that common objective. 

A full life cycle assessment (LCA) commissioned by the European Paper Packaging Alliance (EPPA) and carried out by independent consultant Ramboll challenges the common perception that reusable tableware used in European quick-service restaurants for in-store consumption has lower environmental impacts. Updated data for the study from September 2021 clearly reconfirms the benefits of single-use paper-based packaging compared to multi-use systems.

Food packaging does much more than simply hold a product. It is a critical solution, keeping food safe and fresh, improving food quality, reducing food waste and increasing accessibility.  It also informs, providing nutritional information and telling us how to safely store and prepare the food

Paper and fiber-based packaging is a natural and renewable material.  EPPA members are committed to sourcing it from sustainably managed forests that play an important role in mitigating climate change by absorbing carbon from the atmosphere through reforestation.

"Food hygiene challenges in replacing single use food service ware with reusable food service items"