On February 24, 2022, UK-based civil society organization Wrap published a series of three reports investigating “how selling fresh fruit and vegetables loose or in packaging can impact household food waste.” The reports (i) model how selling produce loose or in packaging affects waste production, (ii) test how packaging and refrigeration affects produce shelf life, and (iii) survey consumers on how date labels, packaging, and appearance influences decisions to throw away fruit, vegetable, and dairy products.
Wrap studied the shelf life of apples, bananas, broccoli, cucumbers, and potatoes in plastic packaging or loose and, except for bananas, stored at room temperature or in the fridge. They found only two scenarios where packaging helped extend shelf life: bananas and broccoli in a 4 °C fridge. Packaged broccoli stored in a slightly warmer fridge kept at 9 °C showed no advantage over unpackaged broccoli. Also, under all conditions except broccoli at room temperature, the fruits and vegetables showed no sign deterioration at the “best before” date printed on the packaging.
About 10% of consumers throw away food based on date, according to Wrap’s consumer survey. And shoppers purchase more than they need when produce is only available in pre-packaged quantities. By selling the five studied fruits and vegetables without packaging and removing any “best before” type labeling, Wrap estimates 100,000 tons of food and 10,300 tons of plastic can be saved in the UK each year.
Wrap is currently working with the UK Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs to create updated food labeling guidance for grocery retailers which should be available in late 2022.
A French ban on plastic packaging for many produce items went into effect in January 2022, and a similar Spanish ban is planned for 2023 (FPF reported, also here). Civil society organization Foodwatch Germany is currently petitioning the German government to follow the lead of France and Spain in banning plastic packaging for fresh fruits and vegetables by 2026. Foodwatch claims the ban would save more than 60,000 tons of plastic waste.
Read More
Wrap (February 24, 2022). “Helping people to reduce fresh produce waste.”
Zoe Wood (February 24, 2022). “Plastic packaging increases fresh food waste, study finds.” The Guardian
Darrel Moore (February 28, 2022). “Sell fresh uncut produce loose to reduce food and plastic waste, says WRAP report.” Circular.
Foodwatch Germany (February 2022). “Plastikflut eindämmen: Obst und Gemüse unverpackt!”
