The Russian environmental operator (REO) urged retail to abandon plastic packaging for fruits and vegetables in order to reduce the amount of non-recyclable waste, reports the FruitNews portal.
According to the REO study, which was carried out in July 2021 in the stores of Magnit, Perekrestok, Pyaterochka, Azbuka Vkusa, Miratorg and other chains, more than 20% of vegetables and fruits are sold in supermarkets in two- or three-component packaging containing non-recyclable plastic - polypropylene, PET, PVC and polystyrene, which are not recyclable. Avoiding excess packaging material can reduce packaging volume by 10%.
“Our employees analyzed the grocery shelves. Unfortunately, products that are sold in excessive packaging are quite common. And mainly fruits and vegetables. For example, some retailers put lemons and apples first on a cardboard backing and then pack them in film of "unknown origin". Cucumbers and meat are often placed on a polystyrene foam backing that cannot be recycled with food debris. And when heated, it emits styrene, which is dangerous for the human nervous system. We also found cucumbers in PVC packaging, which are harmful when used with food as they release chlorine. <…> Finished products are packed in plastic of unknown origin with marking 7: it cannot be recycled, ”said Denis Butsaev, Director General of REO.
He noted that there are products that cannot be packaged otherwise, so as not to lose quality during transportation and storage, but most are “packaged in packaging”.