Morrisons supermarket is removing plastic packaging for its cucumbers as part of a wider ongoing plastic reduction scheme taking place by the supermarket company.
Cucumbers are around 90% water and thus are often wrapped in plastic to prevent dehydration and expand shelf life. However, in the British growing season, cucumbers are transported quickly to stores so should not require plastic wrapping and should have enough shelf life to meet customer demand.
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.”
Whilst this is a positive move, there is however there were concerns the move away from plastics will lead to a rise in food waste.
Shrink-wrap may keep cucumbers fresher for longer, but if retailers are finding they still throw away a significant volume at the end of the day, it could be a sign that they need to adjust the quantity they buy from supplier, rather than the wrapping.
As a waste management company that is trying to find as many ways possible to reduce unnecessary waste, it is great to hear that Morrisons are taking this stance.
If you ware looking to get rid of your waste streams via a professional company, please do not hesitate to contact one of our team today on 01977 529586.
