French ban on plastic packaging for fruit and vegetables
Duligong Honid
French ban on plastic packaging for fruit and vegetables
In January 2022, a ban on plastic packaging took effect for 30 types of fruits and vegetables, sold in France. This new law will bring the nation closer to its goal of eliminating single-use plastics by 2040. The exception is made for fruit packed over 1.5 kg and chopped or processed fruit. Producers of certain more fragile kinds of fruit and vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes, raspberries, and blueberries, have been given extra time to develop alternatives to plastic, but by 2026, all fruits and vegetables will be progressively phased out. Before the ban, an anticipated 37% of fruit and vegetable goods in France were assumed to be sold wrapped in plastic. Government officials estimate that the ban could reduce the usage of a billion single-use plastic items each year.
The benefits of switching to sustainable packaging or no packaging at all are numerous. Firstly, this change can reduce Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions. Over the last decade, climate change has increased the earth's temperature by a few degrees. It is attributable to carbon emissions from goods production and consumption and the combustion of fossil fuels. CO2 emissions from plastic packaging are associated with plastic manufacturing, supply, use and disposal. Most plastic is produced from fossil fuels, although some is produced using renewable, plant-based sources such as lignin, starch, and cellulose (termed ‘bio-based' plastics). By rethinking the way, we package our products and look to buy products with less/no packaging, we can decrease the carbon emissions associated with the products we buy/sell. These small, individual changes to your company or buying habits can create a positive long-term impact on the environment.
Furthermore, using plastic packaging alternatives or no packaging for products can provide a safer environment for wildlife and better human health. 40% of plastic packaging ends up in landfills, resulting in 9 million tonnes of plastic packaging waste that could eventually degrade into our soils. 32% of plastics escape from the collection and sorting systems, consequently, ending up in the soil and ocean. This marine and soil litter readily enter live species like fish and then can be fed up the food chain to humans, with substantial long-term negative consequences. Therefore, reducing plastic waste, or switching to zero packaging where possible, could lead to fewer animals and humans being harmed by ingesting plastics/microplastics.
Improved human health and environmental health on top of more sustainable/eco-friendly packaging can save both individuals and corporations' money. Consumers pay for the costs of goods and their packaging when they purchase products. Individuals could pay less for the packaging costs if less plastic packaging or none is used. By reducing packaging waste, companies could save money associated with disposing of plastic and other materials, whether recycling or landfill. Once a fringe movement, green consumption is now a rising tribe of committed green customers whose loyalty is well worth acquiring. Companies that consider their impact on the environment could receive a better reputation and attract more green customers.
At Tomson Consulting, we help our clients make informed choices about environmentally friendly and more sustainable plastic packaging. Previously, Tomson Consulting helped?a food manufacturer reduce the number of single-use packaging materials, used for raw materials, be delivered to their factory. It has eliminated waste and the carbon dioxide emissions associated with the manufacture, supply, use and disposal of single-use cardboard, plastic shrink wrap and plastic films. In addition, it has resulted in cost savings to the client and supplier.
Feel free to email pip@tomsonconsulting.co.uk for help with your business' waste and packaging consumption.
Reference:
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2018.00121/full
https://www.positive.news/society/fruit-and-veg-unwrapped-frances-plastic-packaging-ban-begins/
