New Zealand has become the first country to ban the use of thin plastic bags for fresh produce in supermarkets. The legislation, already in effect, will include recyclable plastic, biodegradable plastic and plant-based or compostable plastic and will extend to plastic straws and cutlery.

However, plastic bags are still allowed for some fruits and vegetables under the new rules. These are the ones that come already bagged, sealed or unsealed before they are displayed for sale. 

The plastic packaging must be part of the original packaging and not added later. For example, bags of salad greens, apples, potatoes, sugar snap peas, or herbs are exempt from the ban.

Non-compliance with the ban can lead to fines of up to NZ$100,000 (US$61,720) per offense, according to the countries’ environmental ministry. 

New Zealand previously banned thick plastic single-use shopping bags in 2019.

Reducing waste
Authorities from the country say that each New Zealander currently generates over three-quarter metric tons of waste yearly. Estimating the ban will remove 150 million plastic produce bags from circulation each year. 

“New Zealand produces too much waste, too much plastic waste,” says Rachel Brooking, Associate Environment Minister. 

“We want people to bring their own bags and supermarkets are selling reusable produce bags.”

Paper “the last resort”
The Countdown supermarket chain is guiding consumers toward using cotton, cloth, tote or mesh produce bags. 

“For now, paper bags are available as a last resort. While they’re handy, they still have an impact on our planet. Please recycle these as you would normal paper,” says the chain.

The company also explains why some pre-packaged goods get to use thin plastic, unlike consumers. 

“Some packaging is required to help reduce food waste as it protects the quality and extends the shelf life of fruit and vegetables. For example, a plastic-wrapped continental cucumber lasts three times longer than an unwrapped continental cucumber.”

Nonetheless, the chain admits that some “grumpy” customers will take “a little while” to get accustomed. 

Convenience vs. sustainability?
Last month Sainsbury’s vacuum-packed beef also generated debate, putting material reduction and convenience in conflict.

The UK chain started to use vacuum packs for its minced beef, with consumers complaining about the product’s gray color and how the texture was more like a brick than a consumable item.  

Also in the UK, the British government confirmed in January plans to enforce a ban on single-use plastics in England, in line with Scotland and Wales. Outlawing Items such as disposable plastic cutlery, trays and plates for foodservice uses, but not in supermarkets and other settings.

However, public acceptance of banning single-use plastic can be very high in some countries. In the case of  Hong Kong, an increased public acceptance (of around 90%) of non-plastic alternatives for disposable items has led legislators to bring a ban on single-use plastic in restaurants forward by two years to 2023, instead of the original plans for 2025. 

Meanwhile, sometimes it is more convenient to be sustainable, but regulations can make it difficult. Earlier this year, major airlines, airports and caterers warned that EU animal agriculture rules hamper their ability to recycle packaging and food waste and meet sustainability targets, as current regulation requires waste to be incinerated or buried.