New EU Rules Could Threaten Vegetable Supply in Northern Norway

On August 12th, the EU's new Packaging Regulation formally came into force. Among other measures, it bans single-use plastic packaging for fruit and vegetables weighing under 1.5 kg.

This means that the plastic wrap on cucumbers, lettuce and bell peppers is covered by the ban.

The regulation is a key part of the EU's Circular Economy Action Plan and contributes to strengthen the EU's commitments to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The aim is to reduce packaging waste nationwide by five per cent by 2030.

The EU has given Norway until 2030 to eliminate plastic packaging on these vegetables.

Long transport distances to Northern Norway

Bama is the largest supplier of fruit and vegetables to Norwegian grocery chains. The wholesaler supplies most of Norgesgruppen, including Kiwi, Meny, Spar and Joker, as well as large parts of the country's hotel and restaurant sector.

Erik Hanseid, director of Bama Packaging, told High North News that Bama supports the packaging regulation and is actively working to develop new and improved solutions.

"At the same time, we must ensure that the solutions work optimally. We are to supply the entire country with fresh fruit and vegetables. The long transport routes to Northern Norway make certain products particularly dependent on the protection provided by packaging," he said.

The new regulations will have no direct legal effect in Norway until they are incorporated into the EEA Agreement and implemented in Norwegian law, which is scheduled to take place in the spring of 2027.

Hanseid emphasises that they are collaborating with the industry and authorities to find good solutions adapted to Norwegian conditions.

"An important part of this work is identifying and documenting the effect packaging has on various products. Research conducted in collaboration with Nofima shows that the shelf life of cucumbers is reduced by eleven days when the plastic film is removed."

He adds that bell peppers and lettuce can also be challenging to transport over long distances without suitable packaging.

"This is particularly relevant for Northern Norway, where distances are vast and transport times are longer."

"It just won't work"

During Arendalsuka, The Centre Party leader Trygve Slagsvold Vedum emphasised the importance of preserving the quality of goods in Northern Norway.

"Everyone opposes increased plastic use, but if it means you cannot have cucumbers and bell peppers in Hammerfest, the the EU regulations cannot be introduced. The EU must be informed of this. Because it just won't work," he told Nettavisen in August.

As a former Minister of Agriculture and Food, Vedum stressed that supplying food to Northern Norway already poses significant challenges.

"We have special schemes in place to supsidise milk transport, and we take many steps to ensure the entire country is supplied with food. That is why we must address this quickly to find a good solution," he said.

Increased food waste

It has not yet been decided which products will be included on the EU's exemption list. Hanseid believes cucumbers, bell peppers, and lettuce should be among them.

"We believe that a documented need to preserve shelf life must be decisive, something the authorities have indicated support for in the consultation draft on the new packaging regulation."

Without plastic film, some vegetable products may have a shorter shelf life, which in turn could lead to increased food waste. The director is therefore clear on the matter:

"When food is thrown away, the resources used for cultivation, cooling, packaging and transport are also wasted. Therefore, plastic use, shelf life, and food waste must be evaluated together," he concludes.