Grüne Fee CEO: EU plastics rules could cut fruit and vegetable choice
An EU ban on individually plastic-wrapped vegetables may lead to many types of fruit and vegetables disappearing from supermarket shelves in Estonia, an industry leader has said.
The European Union's new packaging rules, aimed at reducing unnecessary waste, could result in a significant reduction in the variety of fruits and vegetables available in Estonian stores, according to Kristo Eisenberg, CEO of Estonian fresh produce company Grüne Fee.
The regulations prohibit individual plastic wrapping for certain vegetables, including cucumbers and peppers, unless sold in larger quantities. Eisenberg warned that unwrapped produce spoils quickly: cucumbers, which are mostly water, dry out in three to four days without shrink wrap, compared to a three-week shelf life when wrapped. The supply chain further complicates matters, as cucumbers are typically stored in central warehouses for 24 to 48 hours before reaching stores, reducing their freshness.
Peppers, often sold in packs of three, will also be affected due to their light weight. Eisenberg estimated that a 30–50% increase in spoilage would lead to higher prices and eventually cause many products to disappear from shelves.
The European Commission is set to publish guidelines by February 12, 2027, detailing the implementation. From 2030, individually wrapped cucumbers and peppers sold in pairs will be banned in Estonia and other EU countries. Pre-packaging quantities under 1.5 kilograms in plastic wrap will not be allowed. Exemptions are possible, and Eisenberg hopes long cucumbers will be included. The draft bill transposing the EU directive into Estonian law is currently in its coordination round, with stakeholder feedback due by August 17.
