Plastic has become so ubiquitous in our daily lives that we often overlook the plastic packaging that fills the aisles of grocery stores. This polyethylene polymer is the preferred choice for wrapping food items because it is sterile, disposable, and, most critically, inexpensive to produce in large quantities. Its versatility allows for a wide range of uses, and its strength ensures that food products remain intact during transport and while on display.
Regrettably, the very durability that makes plastic packaging useful also renders it resistant to degradation once discarded. While the longevity of plastic may be economically beneficial, it poses a significant ecological problem. The NOAA’s Marine Debris Program reports that it takes about 450 years for a single plastic bottle to decompose once it enters the environment.
Plastic in the Ocean and Environmental Impact
While some plastics are incinerated or recycled, the majority end up in the ocean. It’s estimated that a minimum of 8 million tons of plastic are discharged into the ocean annually, equivalent to dumping a garbage truck’s worth of plastic every minute, as reported by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation in 2016. The same report projects that by 2050, the ocean will contain more plastic than fish by weight.
Once in the ocean, plastics degrade very slowly, creating even greater issues. They fragment into microplastics, which are smaller than 5 mm, and are consumed by small fish and zooplankton. These microplastics then ascend the food chain to larger animals and ultimately to humans. This phenomenon, known as biomagnification, leads to humans ingesting plastics and their chemical components through seafood.
Complaints to Consumer NZ shows some consumers aren’t pleased with excess and convoluted packaging.
“Customers are getting increasingly frustrated with all the extra packaging. Why do you need plastic-covered vegetables? No-one understands the logic,” said Consumer NZ head of content Caitlin Cherry.
The packaging that irked the most people was Watties 3-pack mini cans of baked beans ($5). Despite being value for money at a cheaper price than purchasing three separate cans, the amount of plastic shrink-wrap around the cans has led to some customers boycotting the brand.
The second most complained item were individually wrapped electric toothbrush replacement heads. Each head usually comes with a double layer of moulded plastic inside a difficult to open outer box.
Some food items were also frustrating for customers to purchase. Verkerks Salami Protein Snack Pack ($4.89) showed six individually wrapped tear seal packets each with three small pieces of salami inside.
Further down in the meat section at the supermarket, fresh meat on pre-packaged plastic trays were a major source of frustration. Customers compared buying meat at a local butcher, where you forgo the tray for a simple, thin plastic bag or brown paper wrapping.
Finally, Pure’n Ezy removed corn’s natural packaging (its husks) and individually replaced them with a plastic vacuum seal that needed scissors to get into. Pure’n Ezy indeed.
In a global trial, 57% of New Zealand packaging assessed wasn’t recyclable in practice.
Recently, representatives of 175 countries at the UN Environment Assembly voted to draft a legally-binding treaty by 2024 to end plastic pollution. The treaty is expected to address plastic alternatives among other initiatives.
Consumer NZ believes business should consider simpler packaging that is environmentally friendly. Seen terrible packaging? Send it to feedback@consumer.org.nz
What Can You Do?
- Bring your own bag when you go shopping. (Keep some in the boot of the car so they’ll be there when you need them). You can find mesh fresh produce bags that you can weigh on the scale at the supermarket and can store your fruit and vegetables well at home. Bring a designated reusable bag when you buy produce, so you don’t have to use the plastic produce bags they provide. You can even make your own bag out of an old t-shirt! Here is a link to some instructions: TheThingsWellMake.com
- Visit your local butcher for meat and eliminate purchasing the plastic tray.
- Excessive packaging isn’t limited to grocery stores; you can request item unpackaging at any store. If retailers must dispose of the packaging themselves, they might encourage manufacturers to minimize unnecessary packaging.