Lets Talk About Plastic

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At Wonky, our journey began with a solid commitment to combatting plastic waste and reducing food waste in the produce industry. Witnessing bananas and apples wrapped in single-use plastic at supermarkets puzzled us, as it not only encouraged over-purchasing but also contributed to the growing plastic pollution problem. As we delved deeper into the world of produce, we discovered the complex relationship between plastic packaging, food safety, and shelf life, which posed a challenge to our mission. Nevertheless, we remain determined to find sustainable solutions while ensuring our customers receive fresh, quality produce. In this article, we face the complex challenges the fresh produce industry faces when it comes to plastic use.

Some hard-hitting facts:

40% of the world’s fresh produce is lost post-harvest or wasted at the retail and consumer level
10% of greenhouse gas emissions are produced by food loss
14% of the world’s food is lost between harvest and retail - read more here.‍
Only 9% of plastic waste is recycled (15% is collected for recycling, but 40% of that is disposed of as residues) - read more here.

The Plastic Dilemma in Produce:

Plastic is undeniably popular in the produce industry for several reasons. It is cost-effective, versatile, and plays a vital role in preserving food safety during transportation. Packaging items like tomatoes and lettuce in plastic shields them from damage and helps extend their shelf life by acting as a barrier against external contaminants. Moreover, in a time when growers are grappling with increased freight costs, plastic packaging enables them to pack produce more efficiently, saving money in the process.

Understanding Growers' Perspectives:

It is crucial to recognise that most growers would prefer to avoid plastic packaging. However, limited affordable alternatives leave them with no choice but to use plastic to protect their produce. In some cases, recyclable plastics or bio-degradable alternatives like cellulose are used. For instance, cut produce, such as pumpkins and cabbage halves, are often wrapped in plastic to reduce the risk of harmful pathogens.

The Battle Against Waste and Freshness:

Balancing the desire to reduce plastic with the need to prevent food waste and maintain freshness presents a significant challenge. For certain produce, like leafy greens such as frilly lettuce, plastic packaging can extend shelf life by up to 10 days. Without plastic, these delicate greens start wilting within just three days, making it difficult for them to reach consumers in pristine condition. Ensuring that produce arrives at retailers' and customers' homes fresh and unspoiled is crucial for growers to protect their reputations and livelihoods.

Towards a Greener Future:

At Wonky, we approach the use of plastic with careful consideration whenever we are presented with the option. Our vision is to witness a plastic-free future in the produce industry, and we eagerly anticipate advancements in sustainable options within New Zealand. As we speak, scientists are actively engaged in the development of biodegradable plastics made from renewable resources like cellulose, sugarcane, corn, and bamboo. Although these groundbreaking innovations are currently costly, we firmly believe that with continued research and development, they possess the potential to effectively replace traditional plastics, paving the way for a greener and more eco-conscious future.

Our Plastic Promises:

Avoiding Plastic Wherever Possible: We ask all our growers to supply produce without plastic whenever feasible, ensuring it reaches your fridge quicker without compromising freshness.
Embracing Bioplastics and Home Compostables: As advancements are made in bioplastics and home compostable materials, we will explore their implementation to minimise our environmental impact.
Responsible Packaging: While we strive to minimise plastic usage, certain items may still come in plastic packaging due to food safety requirements or to maintain freshness. However, we will work with growers to ensure such packaging is recyclable whenever possible.
Prioritising Food Rescue: We prioritise purchasing produce at risk of going to waste, providing it with a home and preventing both food and plastic from ending up in landfills.
Sustainable Packaging Solutions: For smaller items like sprouts and mushrooms, we utilise brown paper bags for packaging, reducing unnecessary plastic use.