In Germany food produces more and more packaging waste. One of the reasons is that an increased amount of fresh fruit and vegetables are sold pre-packed, about 63%. A study conducted by the Market Research Society for Packaging, on behalf of the Wildlife Protection Society of Germany (NABU), showed this.
Customers can’t actively reduce their packaging waste with pre-packed products. They don’t have the opportunity to choose if they want a bag or bring their own reusable bags from home. This is the best solution to reduce waste and many customers want to use reusable packaging. The logistic suppliers of supermarkets have another opinion.
The need for plastic for packages has increased by 78% for fruit and 164% for vegetables in the period 2000-2014. Tomatoes should be mentioned, they account for the biggest volume of packaging with 32%, while their consumption share is only around 15%. Because tomatoes are packaged in rather small volumes with large amounts of plastic.
Much more energy is required for packed goods than for the conventional plastic or paper bags. That can be demonstrated by calculating the average plastic use per kilo of product. For example: 8 times more plastic is needed for 500 grams of grapes packaged in a punnet with lid, than if the same amount of grapes were packaged in a plastic bag. NABU supports the increased offer of loose produce. That would save on a significant amount of packaging waste.
The situation is even worse for customers who want to buy organic fruit and vegetables. It is almost impossible to buy these product unpackaged, even though customers have been complaining about this for quite some time. Apparently the logistics can’t be organized. If you still want to reduce waste you can shop at a greengrocer, organic food shops or farm shops.