The UK non-profit organization, Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP), is pressing the UK Government to enforce a ban on plastic packaging for uncut fresh fruits and vegetables in retail. This recommendation is part of WRAP’s broader strategy to cut down on food and plastic waste, aiming to reduce the UK’s overall environmental impact by changing consumer habits.
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Addressing Household Waste
According to WRAP’s recent report, in the UK, household food waste constitutes 70 % of post-farm-gate food waste, with fresh produce like fruits and vegetables contributing significantly. Additionally, most fresh produce packaging is single-use plastic, accumulating about 70,000 tonnes of waste yearly.
While WRAP acknowledges that progress has been made to reduce food and plastic waste, they stress that more needs to be done. Current measures have limitations, especially around household food waste linked to fresh produce, which WRAP believes can be mitigated through policy-driven packaging changes.
Targeted Fresh Produce and 2030 Deadline
The Program’s proposal focuses on 21 different fruits and vegetables, like bananas, apples, potatoes, carrots, and salad tomatoes. Specifically, WRAP suggests to implement a gradual phase-out of plastic packaging for these items, with a full ban to be achieved by 2030. The intent is to drastically lower the use of single-use plastics and minimize waste in the fresh produce category.
However, the proposed ban would apply only to primary packaging on whole, uncut fresh produce items weighing under 1.5 kg, pushing retailers toward selling these items without any packaging.
Policy Interventions and Consumer Support
The non-profit’s recommendation follows the UK Plastics Pact, a voluntary initiative encouraging retailers to sell more loose produce. Since its inception, the initiative has successfully reduced unnecessary plastic usage in the UK. However, WRAP and other stakeholders recognize that moving to a mostly loose system for fresh produce has its challenges, and they argue that government policy is needed to create consistent standards and support the transition.
The report also found that over half of surveyed consumers are in favor of government action to reduce food waste, indicating substantial public support for stricter policies. WRAP suggests that implementing a ban is the most effective way to significantly reduce the use of plastic packaging.
Proposed Exemptions
WRAP suggests a few exemptions during the transition period to balance practicality. Specifically, Organic and Fairtrade products, which require specific labeling, would initially be excluded from the ban. Similarly, “Ripe and Ready” items, often prone to damage, would also be exempt. Limited exemptions are advised for high-demand periods, such as the holidays, and for smaller retailers, to avoid unnecessary waste.
Additionally, if a broader ban is adopted, the organization recommends additional exclusions for certain items that require minimal packaging to maintain freshness and reduce waste, such as berries, soft fruits, and items needing pest control.
Conclusion
WRAP’s push for a UK-wide ban on plastic packaging for fresh produce aims to reduce environmental impact and foster more sustainable shopping habits. With consumer support and policy adjustments, the UK could see significant reductions in food and plastic waste by 2030, setting a precedent for global efforts toward environmental responsibility.
