REWE tests reusable alternatives to plastic fruit and veg bags

Soon the thin plastic bag will be gone. After the abolition of the plastic carrier bag, REWE now also wants to reduce the use of thin plastic bags in the fruit and vegetable assortment.

To this end, Germany's second-largest food retailer carried out a seven-week test. Two alternative approaches are being pursued in about 120 REWE stores across Germany. 19 branches are currently encouraging customers to reconsider using a plastic bag through various types of communication channels. Many fruits and vegetables naturally come with a robust "protective cover" by themselves. These products can be transported without any problem in a shopping trolley or in containers, brought by the consumers themselves, to the checkout counter, after which the products can be stored in these objects again.

The alternative is being pioneered in more than 100 REWE supermarkets, where special re-usable fresh-nets are being offered. Customers can buy these in a two-pack for 1.49 Euros and they can be used and reused for fruit and vegetable shopping in all REWE supermarkets. At the checkout the weight of the fresh-net is automatically deducted from the overall weight of the goods. So whether by means of communicative appeal or through a reusable alternative: both test variants should help to reduce the use of thin plastic bags. Until the 27th of November, the response to and acceptance of these measures by the customer will be determined and then evaluated.

With the removal of the plastic carrier bag, REWE emphasized the need to take further steps to reduce plastic waste. Since then, the Group has been working on various initiatives to prevent plastics in its product ranges - including in the fruit and vegetable sector. As of November, bananas will be available for all brands and price categories without foil packaging. REWE Bio-Avocados and REWE Bio-Sweet Potatoes also use "Natural Branding", a technique in which bundled light engraves a logo and further information into the top pigment layer of the produce. In addition, for its organic apples REWE now uses a novel packaging material consisting of 40 percent sun-dried grass and just 60 percent wood.

Source: Rewe Group