The World Packaging Organisation (WPO) will represent the international packaging community at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), taking place from 10 to 21 November 2025 in Belém, Brazil. The organisation will join world leaders, NGOs, and industry representatives to underline packaging’s role in advancing sustainable food systems and climate action.
WPO’s official participation is scheduled for 12 November at the Action on Food Hub in the Blue Pavilion, in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the FSSC Foundation. The joint session will focus on how innovation, design, and circularity in packaging can contribute to reducing food loss and waste—issues at the centre of global sustainability challenges.
“Raising the voice for packaging at COP30 is a milestone that has been sown in the past two years counting on intense collaboration,” said Luciana Pellegrino, President of WPO. “Together with UNIDO and FSSC Foundation, we are honoured to represent the global packaging community at COP30, emphasizing the relevance of packaging in reducing food loss and waste. Packaging is not just a product; it is a system that protects resources, preserves food, and connects people and markets in more sustainable ways.”
WPO’s presentation will feature data-driven insights, case studies, and policy recommendations demonstrating how responsible packaging can contribute to achieving several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), Climate Action (SDG 13), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).
During COP30, WPO, UNIDO, and FSSC will also present their newly released paper, “Navigating the Food Loss and Waste Paradox,” alongside the Design for Recycling Guidelines, highlighting ongoing initiatives that foster innovation and measurable impact across industries and regions.
“The global packaging community has an extraordinary opportunity to influence the future of sustainable consumption,” added Pellegrino. “Our mission at COP30 is to bring concrete evidence that intelligent, circular packaging solutions are fundamental to building resilient food systems and achieving global climate goals.”
With 84 members representing 66 countries, WPO continues to promote education, innovation, and knowledge sharing to accelerate the transition toward a circular and climate-positive packaging ecosystem. Its participation at COP30 marks a significant step in strengthening collaboration among industry, governments, and academia to ensure packaging plays a vital role in the global sustainability agenda.
