plastic packaging

Shareholder advocacy firm As You Sow submitted a proposal requesting shareholders vote to have Amazon issue a report on packaging materials, citing the ocean plastics crisis that fatally impacting marine species and damages marine ecosystems.

“Amazon does not disclose how much plastic packaging it uses but is believed to be one of the largest corporate users of flexible plastic packaging, which cannot be recycled,” according to the proposal.

Nowadays, those who shop for food in discount stores will almost always be buying plastic packaging as well. The vast majority of sausage, cheese, meat and fish is pre-packed. Fresh fruit, salad and vegetables too often come in plastic packaging. This method is hygienic and protects the food on its journey to the home. However, mineral oil-based plastics are contributing to the growing waste mountain.

The packaging, which marks the latest step by the Big 4 retailer to remove, reduce, recycle and reuse plastic from its operations, aims to prevent nearly 12 million plastic bottles – or 297 tonnes of plastic – from entering the ocean each year and further polluting it.

Sainsbury’s said it would use Prevented Ocean Plastic – a high-quality certified recycled plastic – while working with packaging supplier Sharpak to ensure 34 per cent of its fresh fish and 80 per cent of strawberry punnets are sold using packaging made from plastic rescued from coastal areas.

UK-based supermarket chain Asda is introducing its full chicken range in new pouch packaging to replace plastic trays.

The move will reduce the amount of plastic packaging used in the range by up to 50% and will help the company save 450t of plastic a year.

The pouches also allow meals to be prepared safely and hygienically, as customers can pour the chicken from the packaging straight into the pan without using their hands or any utensils.

Last year, the pouches were trialled on mini-fillets and diced breasts.

Flexible plastic consumer product packaging, including multi-layer films, helps preserve food quality and freshness, but is harder to recycle and is not accepted in curbside programs, acknowledges Keith Dailey, Kroger’s group VP of corporate affairs and chief sustainability officer. “Kroger recognizes the negative impact packaging — including plastic waste — can have on the environment,” he says.