{"id":9248,"date":"2025-09-15T04:26:43","date_gmt":"2025-09-15T08:26:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.packagingindustrynews.com\/?p=9248"},"modified":"2025-09-15T04:26:43","modified_gmt":"2025-09-15T08:26:43","slug":"uk-charity-calls-for-ban-on-plastic-packaging-for-fruit-and-vegetables","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.packagingindustrynews.com\/?p=9248","title":{"rendered":"UK charity calls for ban on plastic packaging for fruit and vegetables"},"content":{"rendered":"


\n<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n \n <\/picture>
The proposals are part of wider waste-reduction measures expected soon and could impact retailers, consumers, and the packaging industry. \/ Credit: Goncharov_Artem via Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

The Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP), a UK environmental NGO aligned with the Labour Party, is advocating for a government ban on plastic packaging for 21 common fruit and vegetable items.<\/p>\n

This proposal is part of a broader set of waste-reduction measures expected to be announced in the coming weeks.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\"\"\/<\/figure>\n

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs <\/h4>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\tCombine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n


\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFind out more <\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n

WRAP argues that eliminating such packaging would not only reduce plastic waste but also improve recycling rates and reduce carbon emissions associated with plastic production.<\/p>\n

Targeted produce and potential impact<\/h2>\n

The initial phase of the proposed ban focuses on items including apples, bananas, potatoes, and salad tomatoes. WRAP notes that these products are either robust or naturally protected by their skins, making plastic packaging unnecessary.<\/p>\n

According to WRAP\u2019s estimates, removing packaging from these 21 types of produce could prevent 100,000 tonnes of food waste and 13,000 tonnes of plastic film waste each year, representing a significant environmental benefit.<\/p>\n

Consumer support appears strong. A WRAP poll found that nearly two-thirds (64%) of UK shoppers would prefer to purchase fresh produce loose if it were available.<\/p>\n

Harriet Lamb, WRAP\u2019s chief executive, said the ban would help shoppers return to \u201cshopping like our nan,\u201d buying only what they need and avoiding surplus waste.<\/p>\n

The initiative is intended to shift cultural habits, making sustainable purchasing practices a mainstream choice rather than an optional extra.<\/p>\n

Wider support and advocacy<\/h2>\n

Other organisations are backing efforts to reduce plastic waste in the grocery sector. City to Sea and Everyday Plastic both run the \u201cChoose Loose\u201d campaign, which encourages supermarkets to offer more packaging-free produce.<\/p>\n

Keep Britain Tidy has called on the government to adopt initiatives such as a Deposit Return Scheme, while SERA, Labour\u2019s Environment Campaign, is pressing for more ambitious plastic reduction policies within the party.<\/p>\n

Together, these groups highlight growing pressure on retailers and policymakers to tackle single-use plastics and encourage sustainable shopping practices.<\/p>\n

Next steps and implementation<\/h2>\n

Specific details of the ban are yet to be released, but the charity\u2019s advocacy highlights the urgency of addressing plastic waste in the grocery sector.<\/p>\n

As discussions continue, further information will be provided on the potential implementation and impact of the ban.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n