Saturday, January 01, 2022

“A Real Revolution”
France bans plastic packaging for fruits and vegetables

France wants to eliminate single-use plastics completely by 2040. With the ban on selling many types of fruits and vegetables wrapped in plastic, more than a billion packaging is to be saved by 2022. Many consumers spoke in favor of the remedy.

In France, many types of fruits and vegetables wrapped in plastic may no longer be sold in the future. According to the Paris Environment Ministry, the new rule is in effect from January 1, 2022. Initially, cucumbers, onions, potatoes, peppers, apples, pears and oranges are affected. Exceptions are provided for pack sizes exceeding 1.5 kg. By the latest 2026, consumers should no longer be able to buy fruits and vegetables in plastic packaging – not even cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, berries or lettuce.

Emmanuel Macron called the ban “a real revolution” in the Guardian report. With legislation to gradually ban single-use plastics by 2040, France is taking a global lead in reducing plastic waste. Similar measures are to be taken in neighboring Spain from 2023.

According to earlier information, so far 37 percent of vegetables and fruits are sold packaged in France. With the ban, over a billion plastic packaging should be saved annually.

According to IOPOP Study by WWF France In 2019, about 85 percent of citizens supported a ban on single-use plastic products and packaging. A petition calling on the government to stop the plastic waste crisis was also signed by more than two million people. On social media, consumers had complained about the absurd packaging, such as coconuts wrapped in multiple layers of plastic or individual bananas in plastic bags.