Chilean Packaging Sector Faces Global Sustainability Standards Challenge

Chilean businesses involved in local packaging face a critical juncture as they must adapt to evolving global environmental standards. María José Galotto, a researcher at the Center for Innovation in Packaging Laben Chile, highlighted the urgency during a discussion about the upcoming Summit of Innovation 2026. She stated that by 2030, all packaging will need to be either recyclable or compostable to remain viable in international markets.

Galotto emphasized that exporters, particularly those sending goods to Europe, must adjust their production methods swiftly. "We have to seek strategies so that our packaging complies with legislation and we do not lose international markets," she warned. This adaptation is not merely an ecological concern but an economic imperative, driving the need for a circular economy approach.

The transition requires a fundamental rethinking of current plastic structures and production processes. Failure to meet these new global norms could significantly impact Chile's export competitiveness and market access, underscoring the vital link between sustainability and economic prosperity.