On March 4, 2025, Normec OWS welcomed colleagues from Normec Foodcare for a focused discussion on sustainable packaging and challenges in the food system.
The discussion centered on food waste, smarter shelf-life labeling, and the role of packaging in reducing environmental impact. Since up to 10% of food waste in the EU is due to confusion surrounding “best before” and “use by” labels, clearer communication and better packaging design remain key levers for improvement.
Compostable materials that come into contact with food were highlighted as part of the solution. When properly validated and aligned with end-of-life infrastructure, compostable packaging can support organic waste streams and contribute to circular economy goals, particularly in light of changing EU regulations such as the PPWR.
The exchange strengthened collaboration within the Normec Group, combining Foodcare’s expertise in food safety and compliance with OWS’s knowledge in the field of biodegradability and compostability testing. Together, the teams reaffirmed their shared commitment to promoting practical, science-based sustainability solutions for the food and packaging sectors.
Whether it’s monitoring, permitting, quality control, or complex environmental issues, together we provide reliable insights you can rely on with confidence.
Normec OWS’s high-throughput biodegradability screening platform has been featured in Sustainable Plastics, with a focus on its role in accelerating the development of sustainable materials.
In early March, Sil Nevejans, commercial manager at Normec OWS, and CEO Gunther Van Cauwenberge traveled to the United States for a visit aimed at strengthening internal collaboration and deepening customer relationships. The trip began with a visit to our U.S. laboratory in Kettering, Ohio, followed by visits to customers and participation in the “Sustainability in Packaging 2025” conference in Chicago.
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation has published a new report examining the role of flexible paper-based packaging in tackling microplastic pollution, particularly in markets with high leakage rates. The report is supported by 47 organizations, including Normec OWS.
Normec OWS is proud to be part of the REBIOLUTION project, a European initiative in which nine partners from seven EU countries are collaborating. Together, we are developing innovative, bio-based, biodegradable, and recyclable plastics that address the sustainability challenges in the packaging and agricultural sectors.
