From 1 July, a wide range of fresh produce weighing less than 1.5 kg will be offered to customers either in bulk or in non-plastic packaging, eliminating the need for excessive plastic wrapping in supermarkets across the country.
The Environment Agency, stressing the significance of this step, stated, “by reducing the use of unnecessary packaging, we are making a substantial contribution to reducing plastic waste, thereby safeguarding our resources and the planet’s well-being.”
The new initiative not only promotes waste reduction but also allows customers to purchase the exact quantities of fruits and vegetables they require, minimising unnecessary excess.
The Environment Agency encourages consumers to actively support this environmental endeavour by using eco-friendly alternatives, such as reusable shopping bags, which are particularly convenient for handling loose produce.
It is important to note that this provision exclusively applies to unprocessed fresh fruits and vegetables, excluding pre-cut produce. Fruit salads and cut-up vegetables intended for soups also remain unaffected by the ban on plastic packaging.
LINK: Press release on the website of the Environment Agency [FR]
