Today we’re going to talk about sustainability. But not in the way you’re used to hearing about it. I’m not going to tell you that plastic is evil and must be wiped out. And I’m not going to tell you that plastic is wonderful and must be kept. I’m going to tell you something rather more uncomfortable: that simple solutions to complex problems tend to create new problems nobody saw coming.
From 2030, a new Regulation comes into force across the entire European Union, banning the use of plastic for retail packs of fresh fruit and vegetables under 1.5 kilos. It’s a well-meaning measure. The environmental damage done by plastic is obvious, documented, undeniable. Nobody in the fresh produce sector disputes that we need to cut plastic use.
What we don’t yet know is whether the final balance of this measure will turn out positive or negative for the environment. Because the second-order consequences — and the third-order ones — are already starting to surface. And they aren’t exactly encouraging.
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