Cross-border transport of raw materials, goods and packaging should continue

The paper & board converters call on the European Commission and Member States governments to ensure continued cross-border and intercountry transport of raw materials, goods and packaging. In this crisis situation, packaging is essential to ensure continuing supply for the pharmaceutical, food and drink and medical equipment sector. Paper & board packaging is a leading material for consumer goods and transport packaging. The industry is doing its utmost to remain fully operational in order to provide sufficient packaging and ensure safe supplies of food and pharmaceutical that are vital for the European society at this moment. We are grateful for the efforts of the European Commission to date and the issuing of “Guidelines for Border Management” aiming to preserve the integrity of the internal market and prevent shortages of medical equipment or food. “The industry urges governments to keep the borders open and to allow continued transport of raw materials and packaging which are vital for the medical and food sectors” says CITPA Secretary General, Angelika Christ. Member States are starting to develop lists of key or critical sectors. We call on them and the European Commission to ensure that paper & board packaging manufacturing and related value chain activities are recognised as a critical sector and included in the “green corridors” for transport of raw materials and goods. Full Press Release