Albert Heijn tests 'quality and shelf life' of plastic-free fruit and vegetables | Progresiv
Supermarket chain Albert Heijn is doing a test with a 'plastic-free' fruit and vegetable department.During a month, a hundred products without plastic packaging are on the shelves of a branch in Hoofddorp, the company reports. 
The purpose of the test is to test whether the quality and shelf life of the fresh products remain good if they are offered without packaging. The company also wants to see how customers respond to fewer packaging. "The use of plastic in fruit and vegetables is a nuisance to consumers," said a press release.
The test runs from 25 March to 28 April at the Genderenplein branch. The test can lead to the packaging disappearing for certain fruits and vegetables. Products such as potatoes, onions, herbs, pre-cut vegetables, chilled vegetables and chilled fruit are excluded from the test.
The company emphasizes that in certain cases packaging nevertheless provides more benefits than disadvantages. "Some vegetables stay good longer in plastic and portion packaging is useful for small households. The packaging prevents food waste and therefore results in environmental benefits. It can be less."
In 2018, Albert Heijn announced that it wanted to reduce the amount of packaging material by 25 percent in 2025. In the meantime, the company has already adjusted certain packaging to promote recycling, for example. For example, many plastic boxes, such as tomatoes, have plastic foil instead of a sturdy lid. (www.tellerreport.com)
