Tesco has thrown its weight behind a government proposal to ban packaging for fruits and vegetables, aiming to level the playing field in the fight against retail waste. The supermarket giant emphasizes the need for effective government intervention in removing produce packaging, aligning with its earlier strategic report advocating for an equitable approach across the industry.

In a statement, Tesco urges the government to lead a large-scale transition, ensuring adjustments to packaging do not disadvantage individual retailers. The company suggests starting with products that multiple retailers source from the same supplier, deeming these adjustments achievable and crucial for creating fairness in the sector.

This move aligns with the warning from WRAP, indicating that the UK Plastic Pact’s target of selling 30% of loose fruits and vegetables by 2025 may be missed without new regulations. The organization advocates for a ban similar to those in France and Spain, estimating an annual saving of 8,800 tonnes of plastic if only apples, bananas, and potatoes were sold loose.

However, not all retailers are on board with the proposed legislation. Waitrose, currently revising its policy, highlights the need for collective action among retailers to find nationwide and global solutions. Lidl stresses the importance of realistic developments backed by evidence to avoid unintended consequences, such as increased food waste.

Concerns from other supermarkets include potential risks of food waste, bruising, exposure to pests, and damage to products if packaging is removed. Issues like barcodes for self-service and consumer preferences for wrapped goods are also raised as potential challenges.

A joint statement from Copa-Cogeca, Freshfel Europe, and Europatat calls for a reconsideration of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, opposing a ban on plastic fruit and vegetable packaging under 1.5kg. They argue that loose products may compromise hygiene, organoleptic quality, and traceability. Instead, they propose reducing unnecessary packaging, encouraging the use of recycled, compostable, or degradable materials, and improving Member States’ collection, sorting, and recycling management.

Tesco’s advocacy for reduced packaging aligns with its ongoing efforts in sustainability. The company previously collaborated with Keep Sea Blue to remove 500 tonnes of plastics from the ocean and introduced recycled plastics into its fresh fish packaging. Since launching its packaging strategy in 2019, Tesco claims to have removed over two billion pieces of plastic from its UK business, with additional initiatives like the ‘pillow pack’ for beef mince and clear caps for milk containers. The supermarket has also engaged in plastic recycling, converting flexible plastics from shoppers into recycled material for various products.