The movement towards reducing plastic packaging in the fresh produce sector has garnered significant attention, with many countries implementing new legislation aimed at minimising or outright banning such materials. Allfresh Wholesale, based in Ireland, has been actively engaged in this initiative for several years, particularly focussing on a variety of products including peppers, bananas, celery, cherry tomatoes, herbs, avocados, and grapes.

Barra Sweetnam, owner of Allfresh, expressed his views on the necessity of plastic packaging for catering customers. "We supply mainly catering customers, why do they need plastic packing on the produce?" he stated. Sweetnam highlighted the company’s progressive approach in discontinuing the use of tri-colour packs for peppers in favour of selling them individually and in loose mixed forms. This shift has led to the elimination of 97,680 plastic packs to date. Additionally, Sweetnam noted that grapes are now sold loose, with a goal of converting 50% of their customer base to this practice, which would represent a significant reduction in plastic usage.

In 2024 alone, Allfresh shifted from packaging avocados in boxes to selling them loose, successfully eliminating 87,980 plastic packets, further emphasizing their commitment to going plastic-free with celery and herbs in the near future. Although not all customers desire these changes, Sweetnam believes that even partial reductions in packaging have a positive impact.

Allfresh has documented substantial plastic packaging reductions across various products. The elimination of mixed peppers alone accounted for a reduction of 97,680 plastic packs, while initiatives involving bananas, rhubarb, beans, and Tenderstem broccoli contributed significantly to a cumulative total reduction of 666,656 plastic packs. Under the umbrella of its 'Naked' campaign, the company aims to reach the ambitious target of one million plastic-free packs.

Sweetnam elaborated on the challenges faced in procuring plastic-free products from suppliers, especially those reliant on barcodes, which are commonly used by larger multinational competitors. He explained, "For us as a wholesaler we don't use barcodes, we educate our employees to know the products and weigh them." This approach helps mitigate the reliance on plastic packaging.

Sustainability has been a core principle for Sweetnam, who emphasised the importance of promoting local Irish produce where possible, while recognising that certain products must be imported. "If we can lose the plastic here it makes a big difference, also for our customers. If they buy produce with plastic on they have to pay to get rid of it," he added.

Sweetnam pointed out that many retailers continue to package fresh produce in plastic for practical reasons, as the barcodes facilitate efficient inventory management. He cited France's plastic packaging ban, which resulted in a 30% decline in sales, stating, "This is not because people are consuming less," but rather reflects a purchasing behaviour change where consumers opt for only what they need, significantly reducing food waste.

Despite encountering some challenges, including minor issues with inaccurate weighing and product damage during the transition away from plastic, Allfresh has successfully differentiated itself from larger competitors and secured contracts with major hotels. Looking ahead, Sweetnam acknowledges that fostering a culture of sustainability requires customer buy-in.

He concluded by reflecting on a broader definition of sustainability, encompassing local purchasing and consideration of supply chains’ environmental impact. "We need to ensure we look at where our products come from; are wages too low? Are workers being exploited?" Sweetnam highlighted the disparity in garlic imports, with a stark contrast between inexpensive imports from China and a fraction of that from Spain, underscoring the complexities of social and environmental responsibility.