Do we really need all this packaging?
Stores are full of all kinds of single-use packaging, from plastic to metal and cardboard. But is it really necessary for all our foods? Not always.
Some products can be sold unpackaged, which not only reduces waste but also helps us buy only what we need. These include uncut fruits and vegetables, as well as dry goods such as cereals, pulses, rice, pasta, dried fruit and nuts, and bakery products. Selling uncut fruits and vegetables loose can help people waste less food at home and reduce plastic packaging.
The role of packaging in food waste
A study conducted in three large retail stores in Sweden measured food waste of fresh fruit and vegetables, including apples, bananas, grapes, lettuce, pears, sweet peppers, and tomatoes. The study found that over one year, 68 tonnes of fruit and vegetables were wasted, corresponding to an economic loss of SEK 1.63 million and 32,600 kg CO₂-equivalents. Importantly, the researchers highlighted that packaging plays a critical role: poorly designed or excessive packaging can increase waste, while optimized packaging, combined with improved cooling, better management of best-before dates, and staff involvement, can help extend shelf life and reduce spoilage. This demonstrates that careful packaging choices, alongside other measures, can significantly decrease food waste and its environmental impact.
When packaging helps, and when it doesn’t
For many foods packaging isn’t needed at all. When distance is short, wrapping often adds waste without benefit. But when transport distances are long, packaging can sometimes help prevent food from spoiling. For example, cucumbers shipped from Spain to Switzerland last much longer with a thin plastic film, which actually reduces overall waste. Still, for produce grown and sold locally, plastic is unnecessary, and selling and buying it loose is the best choice.
Similarly, in line with new EU packaging regulation Estonia is implementing measures to reduce single-use plastics in supermarkets. Starting from 2025, retailers will be required to offer hot prepared foods and salads in reusable packaging. This initiative aims to minimize packaging waste and promote sustainability in the retail sector.
Bulk and reusable solutions
Dry foods like rice, pasta, cereals, and nuts are not only cost-effective but also environmentally friendly when bought in bulk. Especially bulk refill systems can reduce environmental impacts when replacing heavily packaged products, particularly those in carton board boxes. Although plastic is lightweight and generally has a lower climate impact than glass, steel, or cardboard, challenges remain with recycling and proper disposal.
In some cases reusable plastic packages can be a good choice. For example, reusable plastic crates consistently have much lower environmental impacts than single-use cardboard or wooden boxes. Their performance, however, depends on factors like transport distance, the number of times they are reused, cleaning efficiency, and optimized logistics. Targeting the right products and encouraging responsible use allows bulk buying to effectively reduce plastic waste and support a more sustainable food system.
High-impact foods need protection
For products with high environmental impact, such as meat, and for dairy products, packaging must ensure that the food does not go to waste. Stores should consider the type of food, because the environmental impacts of food production and packaging vary.
- High-impact foods (e.g., meat): Packaging should focus on preventing food waste, since production has a large environmental footprint.
- Medium-impact foods (e.g., dairy): The best packaging option depends on life cycle assessments. If food waste is low, packaging impacts dominate; if waste is high, packaging matters less.
- Low-impact foods: Packaging should be minimized, eliminated, or reusable whenever possible to reduce unnecessary environmental impact.
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Recommendations for retailers:
- Offer more loose products – fruits, vegetables, and bakery goods don’t always need packaging.
- Introduce bulk refill stations for dry foods like rice, pasta, and cereals, encouraging customers to bring their own containers.
- Use reusable transport packaging (like crates) instead of single-use boxes.
- Choose packaging that protects high-impact foods (like meat and dairy) to prevent food waste.
- Invest in recycling systems and clear labeling so customers know how to dispose of packaging properly.
- Make reuse convenient – for example, deposit-return schemes for containers or standardized reusable packaging across stores.
Recommendations for consumers:
- Bring your own bags and containers for bakery products, fruits, and bulk goods.
- Sort and recycle correctly to make sure materials stay in the loop.
- Choose larger or family-sized packs when appropriate, since they use less packaging per portion and often reduce waste.
- Buy loose produce to reduce unnecessary plastic and waste less food at home.
