Packaging excess 

Over the past decade, one of the ongoing trends in the retailing sector of the fresh produce industry has been a move towards the sale of pre-packaged product.

Retailing analysts predicted an ongoing shift away from the use of loosely stacked display stands of fresh produce, with all their colour and freshness, to pre-packed trays and bags containing discreet quantities of product providing convenience for consumers and ease of handling at retail checkouts.

 While the trend has been more widespread in the United Kingdom and the USA, it has also been very visible in Australia. It is now ironic that in these times of increasing concern about waste and the damage it causes to the environment, the issue of what is “convenient” is being pushed aside for what is “sustainable”.

Earlier this week, Environment Victoria announced the winners of its National DUMP Awards. These awards are intended to recognise and highlight the incidence and use of ‘Damaging and Useless Materials in Packaging’, and are aimed at reducing the amount of waste going to landfill by promoting public awareness. The top gong at the DUMP Awards, the “The Golden DUMP Award” went to one of Australia’s major retail chains for its sale of five lemons in a tray bound by a double layer of plastic wrap.

While the presentation is obviously convenient, it is interesting to see that what was a retail trend and obviously taken for granted by most consumers, is now being scrutinised. In announcing the award, a spokesperson from Environment Victoria highlighted that with fruit having its own natural packaging, the use of a flexible tray and wrap which is totally unnecessary and non-recyclable, was not sustainable.

 Environment Victoria claims that through its awards, it is maintaining a focus on the environmental consequence of excessive and irresponsible packaging. They also claim that many past winners of the awards have been compelled to change their practices following adverse publicity.

The announcement of the award challenges what has been a trend in the retailing sector of the fresh produce industry, with Environment Victoria highlighting that on average, each Australian produces 200 kilograms of packaging waste every year.

The use of excessive and unnecessary packaging is something we tend to associate with the likes of cosmetics and confectionary. Having the spotlight on the simple presentation of fruit for sale, highlights the ongoing focus on environmental issues and the changing attitudes of consumers.