Replacing sticky labels with laser markings on fresh produce is reducing the use of plastic in the grocery industry, with Swedish supermarkets leading the way on this since 2017. Dutch fruit and vegetable supplier Nature & More and Swedish supermarket ICA teamed up to pioneer the use of the natural markings, which is not only reducing plastic use but also CO2 emissions.
The marking does not affect the shelf life of the produce or adversely affect it in any other way, and has spread to the UK, with M&S first trying it out on coconuts. “By using natural branding on all the organic avocados we would sell in one year, we will save 200km of plastic 30cm wide. It’s small but I think it adds up,” said ICA’s Peter Hagg.
Because the laser technique emits less than 1% of the CO2 emissions needed to make an equivalent plastic sticker, adoption of this practice by many retailers worldwide would have a significant impact on plastic and energy use as well as emissions.
The laser machines require a sizeable investment, but one such manufacturer, Laser Food, points out that the investment will pay off in the long term when the above factors are taken into account.
further reading…
Replacing sticky labels with laser markings on fresh produce is reducing the use of plastic in the grocery industry, with Swedish supermarkets leading the way on this since 2017. Dutch fruit and vegetable supplier Nature & More and Swedish supermarket ICA teamed up to pioneer the use of the natural markings, which is not only reducing plastic use but also CO2 emissions.
The marking does not affect the shelf life of the produce or adversely affect it in any other way, and has spread to the UK, with M&S first trying it out on coconuts. “By using natural branding on all the organic avocados we would sell in one year, we will save 200km of plastic 30cm wide. It’s small but I think it adds up,” said ICA’s Peter Hagg.
Because the laser technique emits less than 1% of the CO2 emissions needed to make an equivalent plastic sticker, adoption of this practice by many retailers worldwide would have a significant impact on plastic and energy use as well as emissions.
The laser machines require a sizeable investment, but one such manufacturer, Laser Food, points out that the investment will pay off in the long term when the above factors are taken into account.