Retailers remove plastic from selected vegetables

Asda is storming full swede ahead in reducing plastic

In the ongoing fight against reducing our consumption of plastic, two British supermarkets have removed plastic wrapping from some of their vegetables.

Morrisons will be taking the plastic off all whole standard-size cucumbers during the British growing season.

Cucumbers have typically been sold in plastic to improve its life in the fridge and in the supply chain. The plastic layer serves as an extra skin to prevent the cucumber’s dehydration which is important because they are typically more than 90% water.

However, during the British growing season where cucumbers are very quickly transported from farm to store, Morrisons believes there will be enough shelf life for customers, who are looking for plastic to be removed where possible.

The move does not apply to half cucumbers which would see a dramatic reduction in shelf life if plastic packaging was taken off.

Richard Hatherly, Senior Buying Manager for Salads at Morrisons said: "We've listened to customers concerns and we are doing what we can to remove plastic packaging. While plastic can serve a purpose, we believe this move will remove it from the environment without leading to food waste."

Asda is also going full swede ahead in reducing plastic packaging, removing plastic wrapping from all its whole swedes.

Each year, the retailer sells almost six million swedes, with the removal of their wraps resulting in a reduction of 14 tonnes of plastic. A popular, earthy root vegetable, customers will see hundreds of naked swedes instore just in time for the cooler weather.

The removal of the plastic wrapping also sees the shelf-life remain the same as previously, with the British-grown veg perfect for up to seven days.

The move is part of Asda's ongoing commitment to use less and recycle more plastic, with a plan to reduce plastic packaging in own brand products by an initial 10% by February 2019. By 2025, Asda pledges to make all packaging 100% recyclable.

Nikki Dixon, Senior Manager for Plastic Reduction at Asda said: “We’re committed to reducing our plastic usage across own brand products, lowering our impact on the environment and helping families to avoid plastic waste in their homes.

“Working closely with our British growers to ensure delicious veg is available throughout the year, our naked swedes will maintain their taste credentials, without the need for any plastic.”