Calls to ban individually wrapped produce

In the UK, 60% of people are in favour of banning individually wrapped fruit and vegetables, according to a recent survey. Sustainable packaging firm W.F.Denny surveyed over 1,000 people, with 60 per cent claiming they supported banning individually wrapped fresh produce. Some 58 per cent of respondents wanted to see a ban on any plastic packaging on fruits and veg. By contrast, only 34 per cent were in favour of a ban on plastic packaging on meat, with over half (57 per cent) wanting to see an end to black plastic food trays, commonly used in ready meals and takeaway foods. 

Since the single-use plastic ban came into effect in the UK on 1 October, caterers and food businesses have turned to sustainable alternatives. W.F. Denny has reported a 50 per cent increase in sales of bagasse boxes – the alternative to polystyrene burger boxes – since the ban began.

John Haken, director at W.F. Denny, said: “The British public is becoming increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of their shopping choices. It’s a call to action for retailers and policymakers alike to prioritise sustainable packaging solutions. There must be a bigger push to make sustainable choices the most available choice, reducing unnecessary plastic use on products that do not require it. The results of this survey offer a compelling insight into the shifting attitudes of UK consumers and serve as a wake-up call for industries to take immediate steps in reducing their environmental footprint.”