The Reunion leader in the distribution of fruit and vegetables in supermarkets is continuing at the start of the year to renew the packaging of its Bazardier and Bazardier Bio ranges to ban plastic.. It displays a whole range of ecological packaging based on recycled cardboard and transparent film., adapted to each product.
By replacing the polystyrene and plastic film packaging of its Bazardier and Bazardier Bio ranges, LM Distribution is once again a pioneer in Reunion Island by being the first Reunion company in the sector to comply with the law. In 2020, the anti-waste law for a circular economy (AGEC) planned, among other measures, the gradual ban on plastic packaging of fruits and vegetables. A decree of October 8, 2021 specified the terms of application of this ban from January 1, 2022. Following various appeals, this decree was canceled by the Council of State at the end of last year and must now be rewritten. However, this cancellation does not call into question the fundamental movement towards the removal of plastic in the packaging of fruits and vegetables. This withdrawal is already largely at work in mainland France. In the meeting, LM Distribution did not wait for the new regulatory framework to embark on this path by launching, more than two years ago, a first eco-responsible packaging in waterproof paper for its salads.
Packaging acquires status
In the last quarter of 2022, the company started by putting two types of packaging on the shelves : perforated cardboard packaging for the largest products and, for more fragile fruits and vegetables, mixed packaging combining a biosourced transparent film with a cardboard base. The cardboard is recycled and recyclable and is printed with water-based inks. The film bio (either starch, either in transparent paper) are currently being tested. They will very soon provide an even more ecological solution while ensuring product visibility, other desired objective. Eco-responsibility is in the philosophy of LM Distribution, which includes in this approach the company's desire to seek the most local solution possible. The new cardboard packaging is the result of a collaboration with Cartonnerie de La Réunion. They were designed by a Reunion design agency.
The balance between product quality and visibility
“The problem with fruit and vegetable packaging is that of product visibility.. Cardboard packaging makes the product less visible. This is why we are directing our research towards transparent organic films which combine visual appearance and ecological requirements.. In full cardboard packaging, the lower visibility is compensated by an even more selective offer than before. A new quality charter applies to the Bazardier ranges which guarantees first choice products”, describes Mélanie Longo, quality manager at LM Distribution. Several formats and forms of packaging have therefore appeared, to which consumers will gradually become accustomed while becoming aware that the approach required by law is common ecological sense. No modification however on the labels : the prices of the Bazardier and Bazardier Bio ranges remain unchanged. The company absorbs the cost of cardboard packaging, double that of plastic packaging.
