It's commonplace to visits a grocery store or market and find fruits and vegetables wrapped in plastic, but a new plastic packaging ban is being implemented in France to help combat against the use of single-use plastics.
The French government has published a list of roughly 30 fruits and vegetables that will no longer be permitted to be packaged in plastic once the ban comes into effect starting on January 1, 2022. The ban comes after research estimates that 37% of fruits and vegetables are sold in plastic packaging that, once eliminated, could save more than one-billion unnecessary plastic packaging items each year.
The France ministry spoke on the plastic packaging ban in a statement cited by Reuters which said, "We use an outrageous amount of single-use plastic in our daily lives. The circular economy law aims at cutting back the use of throwaway plastic and boost its substitution by other materials or reusable and recyclable packaging."
Plastic Produce Packaging Bans
France Has Announced a Plastic Packaging Ban for Fresh Items
Trend Themes
1. Plastic-free Packaging - As more countries implement plastic packaging bans, businesses have an opportunity to innovate and develop alternative packaging materials that are eco-friendly and cost-effective.
2. Circular Economy - With the goal to reduce the use of throwaway plastic, businesses could develop circular systems that can significantly reduce waste and promote sustainability.
3. Brand Reputation - As plastic packaging continues to be under scrutiny, businesses that prioritize sustainable practices in their supply chain and operations can gain a competitive edge and build a positive brand reputation.
Industry Implications
1. Packaging - The packaging industry has an opportunity to develop innovative solutions to replace plastic packaging while still maintaining product freshness, convenience, and affordability.
2. Retail - As plastic-free packaging becomes more popular, retailers can differentiate themselves by offering an eco-friendly product packaging option, potentially attracting conscious consumers.
3. Food and Beverage - As a significant contributor to plastic packaging waste, the food and beverage industry can explore alternative packaging materials and circular systems to reduce waste and improve sustainability.