FRANCE - There has been much debate over which materials are more sustainable when it comes to produce packaging. Westfalia Fruit has rolled out its latest solution in France, launching a new range of environmentally friendly packaging for avocados. The line reportedly eliminates the use of black plastic while maintaining the quality of the fruit.

“We have worked hard to remove plastic from our packaging to contribute to solving the plastic waste challenge and to lower our carbon footprint,” said Johnathan Sutton, Group Safety and Environmental Executive. “We are delighted to take a proactive approach in implementing industry-leading initiatives, enabling compliance to respective laws whilst offering a host of solutions for our customers and consumers.”

The new packaging launch is a result of a new law banning plastic packaging on most fruit and vegetables, which came into effect in France on New Year’s Day. These alternative solutions include options with no plastic or a significant reduction in plastic.

The company’s zero plastic options include a cardboard tray with a paper label or a paper band and are fully compostable. Both are made with Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) materials, guaranteeing that the cardboard used has been sourced from sustainably managed forests, according to a press release.

On the other hand, a heat-seal film option includes recyclable plastic which contains a QR code on the packaging directing consumers to details of where they can recycle their plastic. Additionally, a paper lid is in development for this packaging. Other solutions include an FSC-certified string bag and zero packaging natural laser marking on the skin of the avocado itself.

The press release noted that this new packaging has been introduced and adopted by a wide range of retailers in France.

How will other operators comply with the new law in France? ANUK will report.

Westfalia Fruit