In an era where plastic dominates the grocery aisles, a shift toward more environmentally friendly packaging for fruits and vegetables emerges as a pressing concern.
Kim Severson reports for The New York Times.
In short:
- Produce professionals are rallying for biodegradable packaging, with initiatives like Driscoll’s paper containers leading the charge.
- New regulations in various countries and states aim to drastically reduce or tax plastic packaging, spurring innovation in eco-friendly alternatives.
- Alternatives being explored include biodegradable bags, edible coatings for produce, and innovative shipping containers designed to reduce waste and extend shelf life.
Key quote:
“The pushback you are getting is that if you eliminate plastic and go to fiber, it depletes the shelf life really fast.”
— Scott Crawford, vice president of merchandising for Baldor Specialty Foods
Why this matters:
Plastic food packaging, especially those types used for produce, has become a staple in grocery stores and markets worldwide, offering convenience and extending the shelf life of fresh fruits and vegetables. However, this convenience comes with environmental and health considerations that are increasingly coming under scrutiny. Huge economic pressures continue the exponential growth curve of plastic production, with – so far – no solutions capable of dealing with the problem at scale.
