Tetra Pak, a provider of processing and packaging solutions, has pinpointed low purchasing power and high post-harvest losses as major obstacles to investment and growth in Nigeria’s packaging sector. Haithem Debiche, Manager of Tetra Pak West Africa, shared these insights at the Propak West Africa 2024 Exhibition in Lagos.
Debiche emphasized that the economic downturn has decreased consumers’ purchasing power across Africa, impacting the packaging industry. He noted that Nigeria faces a significant 40% post-harvest loss due to packaging food in large portions, leading to waste as consumers discard uneaten food.
To address this, Tetra Pak is working with customers to reduce package sizes, making them more affordable and reducing waste. This approach aims to balance consumer needs with efforts to minimize food waste.
Debiche also recommended that the Nigerian government enhance support through legal frameworks that promote investment and facilitate the import of materials needed for local production. He praised recent actions to improve free trade and support domestic manufacturing.
Regarding recycling, Tetra Pak is initiating a six-month trial project to collect and recycle used carton packaging. This initiative involves collaborating with recyclers to ensure that packaging materials are properly processed and not discarded improperly.
