A bill proposes to ban the practice of handing out non-biodegradable and disposable plastic bags to final consumers in supermarkets and stores.
A bill already approved by the Special Standing Committee on Environment proposes adding an article to the Law for Integrated Waste Management, to prohibit and punish with fines of up to 200 base salaries the handing out of disposable plastic and non-biodegradable bags to end consumers in supermarkets and other stores.
A study highlights basic grains, corn products, bread, broth, snacks, frozen seafood, shampoo, cosmetic powders and plastics for home use.
The study on market trends in manufacturing, agri-food and drinks in Mexico conducted in southeastern Mexico by the Promotion Agency for Exports and Investments in El Salvador (PROESA) indicates that one of the most important challenges for Salvadoran exporters to successfully enter the Mexican market is to increase their level of knowledge about the national supply in Mexico.
The food industry has opposed the proposal by Solis administration to levy a tax on non-returnable plastic containers, as a measure to discourage their use.
José Manuel Hernando, President of the Costa Rican Chamber of the Food Industry, explained that "... "It is totally wrong to think that more expensive products are transported in this type of material, citizens who throw their trash in the street will stop doing so, or municipalities will do their job better in terms of cleaning and waste collection. The measure will simply mean a higher cost of living for Costa Ricans.This kind of problem must be addressed with other programs such as those already being run by much of the food and beverage industry in collecting and recycling garbage and plastic material. We do not agree with this disformation given to the population which makes them think that a tax of this nature will change a problem that is being solved with completely different measures.'"
The manufacturer of flexible packaging and films which has a presence in several countries in the region and in Colombia, has filed for an agreement of suspension of payments in Costa Rica in order to avoid going bankrupt.
An article in Nacion.com reports that the company spokesmen said that the intention "... is to continue operating and to honor all obligations and commitments to customers, creditors and employees.
Costa Rica's commercial vision no longer only targets the north but now takes advantage of its proximity to the growing purchasing power of Panamanians.
Panama has become the third destination for exports from Costa Rica, which mainly sells plastic containers, soda syrup and paint. In 2014 exports of these and other products amounted to $612 million, 37% more than in 2010, when $445 million worth was exported, according to the Foreign Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER).
Fifty companies exported $394 million in plastics in 2014, 64% more than in 2010, the Central American market being the main buyer, with 44% of the total.
Los productos plásticos exportados son en su mayoría artículos para envasado, láminas y placas, tubos y accesorios de tubería y placas para interruptores y tomacorrientes. Durante el 2014, Panamá fue el principal cliente, reportando un 38% del total de las exportaciones a la región, seguido de Nicaragua con un 26%. Por otra parte, en el mismo período, Norteamérica recibió el 37% del total de las exportaciones de plástico y el Caribe un 8%.
When purchasing packaged foods, German consumers show a preference for small or personal sized packages and those which are transparent or colorful.
From a statement issued by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (Procomer):
In the German market the issue of packaging is extremely important. It is not only an indispensable element for protection of the product, showing information regarding the use and conservation of food and drinks, but it is also the image that catches consumer's eyes making it a differentiator between brands . Moreover, it is one of the main signals regarding product quality, especially when it comes to new products. Consequently, continuous innovation in packaging is essential in this market.
A new type of biodegradable container has been developed for products containing liquid or solid fat which prolongs the shelf life of the food.
From a statement issued by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (Procomer):
Biomat research group at the University of the Basque Country, has developed a new biodegradable packaging for fatty products, both liquid and solid, made from agro-industrial by-products, thereby contributing to sustainable consumption of raw materials and by-product recovery. The container is transparent and at the same time, an excellent barrier to ultraviolet light and gases such as oxygen. Multilayer laminates are usually used as a barrier to gases, however, the product developed by Biomat group is monolayer, thus greatly reducing its cost. Furthermore, it can be heat sealed and is printable.
In Central and South America the use of this type of packaging grew by 50%, going from nearly 5 billion units in 2008 to 7 billion in 2013.
From a statement issued by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
The market for flexible packaging (such as those used in sauces and mayonnaise) in Central and South America has experienced rapid growth over the past five years, increasing by 50% in volume, going from nearly five billion units in 2008 to 7 billion in 2013, according to a recent report by PCI Films Consulting. The largest categories of individual final consumption were mayonnaise and tomato sauce (not ketchup), each having 16% and 23% of the volumes, respectively.
Central America's direct competitor in the market is using the TLC it has with the northern country to increase sales of agricultural products, textiles and other manufactured goods.
The reduction in sales of Colombian oil to the United States is forcing the South American country to diversify its exports to the North American market, where positioning has been improved mainly of agricultural products such as fruits and seeds and manufactured goods such as textiles and apparel.
The Chamber of Industries of Costa Rica has announced the seventh edition of EXPOINDUSTRIA, a biennial business event featuring market opportunities and product promotions.
The event will be held in the Pedregal Event Center on April 16th-18th 2015.
From a press release issued by the Chamber of Industries of Costa Rica (ICRC):
Chamber of Industry prepares for the most important business meeting in the sector
Flour made from plantains can be used to produce biodegradable plastic products with high capacity.
From an article by the Costa Rica Foreign Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
Biodegradable plastic made from plantain flour
Experts from the National Polytechnic Institute of Mexico (IPN) have created a flour made from plantain, which can be used to produce biodegradable plastic products with high capacity.
The trade agreement excludes oil, some dairy and meat products, waffles, beer, gum, certain plastics, paper, cardboard and the metalworking sectors.
The agreement, which will come into effect when it gains legislative approval in Colombia, provides free instant access to Costa Rica for cocoa beans, refined salt, medicines, raw materials for the plastics industry, paper and textiles and plywood doors.
The South American country has become an attractive market for the export of raw lead, tires and plastic, among other things.
In January and February of this year sales from Costa Rica to Colombia increased by 21% compared to the same period in 2013, driven by products from the industrial sector.
According to an article in Elfinancierocr.com: "Other goods from the industrial sector gaining more presence are tubes and plastic fittings, as well as items for plastic packaging. Featuring In the food and beverage sector are other food preparations and vodka. "