Dear Migros, it would be a great idea for the new year 2022 if compostable bags were used for fruit and vegetables instead of plastic bags. This would set a good example for the environment and has been common practice in Italy and France for some time. Then we should be able to do the same in Switzerland, thank you in advance.
Hello Elefant_Witikon, thank you for your contribution. Contrary to popular belief, alternatives to plastic such as biodegradable plastic do not perform better in life cycle assessments than petroleum-based plastic. The reasons for the poor performance of biodegradable bags lie in the cultivation of renewable raw materials, such as intensive agriculture, monocultures and the use of genetically modified plants (e.g. genetically modified maize). In addition, more material has to be used for bioplastic bags in order to achieve the same stability and tear resistance. Another problem is that biodegradable materials sometimes compete with food production. For example, biodegradable plastic is made from corn, potato or soy starch - plants that are an important source of food for many people. Migros sees great potential in the area of bio-plastics, which are made from organic waste. They promise a significantly lower environmental impact than conventional materials and, unlike other biodegradable materials, do not compete with food production. A changeover by 2022 is simply not feasible - but we are following these developments very closely. Best regards, Chloe
Hello Elefant_Witikon, thank you for your contribution. Contrary to popular belief, alternatives to plastic such as biodegradable plastic do not perform better in life cycle assessments than petroleum-based plastic. The reasons for the poor performance of biodegradable bags lie in the cultivation of renewable raw materials, such as intensive agriculture, monocultures and the use of genetically modified plants (e.g. genetically modified maize). In addition, more material has to be used for bioplastic bags in order to achieve the same stability and tear resistance. Another problem is that biodegradable materials sometimes compete with food production. For example, biodegradable plastic is made from corn, potato or soy starch - plants that are an important source of food for many people. Migros sees great potential in the area of bio-plastics, which are made from organic waste. They promise a significantly lower environmental impact than conventional materials and, unlike other biodegradable materials, do not compete with food production. A changeover by 2022 is simply not feasible - but we are following these developments very closely. Best regards, Chloe
Dear Migros, thank you for the answer, which is unfortunately somewhat disappointing. The stores in nearby countries show that it works and could be done.
The idea wouldn't be so bad...BUT have you ever used a compostable bag? We bought some from Migros and you know what, when we moved out after five years and had to get rid of the compost, there were shreds of these bags everywhere🙈 even orange peel, which I had once disposed of by mistake, was more decomposed. So I'm wondering whether this is the right way to go or whether the quality should be revised.
As mentioned, these compostable bags NEVER belong in the household compost. https://www.geo.de/natur/nachhaltigkeit/19738-rtkl-bio-plastik-kompostierbare-plastiktueten-warum-die-meisten-menschen
Ui ok, that's why they didn't rot😅 then everything is clear. As far as I could remember, that's what it said on the packaging...but that was a few years ago.
Good input. I would be in favor of charging for bags of fruit and vegetables in future. People can't waste three plastic bags for three carrots, an orange and a few apples.
Good input. I would be in favor of charging for bags of fruit and vegetables in future. People can't waste three plastic bags for three carrots, an orange and a few apples.
Hello @Twilight Thank you for your input. Where plastic bags are necessary for hygienic reasons or are used as primary packaging in open sales (e.g. for fruit and vegetables), the free distribution of plastic bags remains possible. However, we recommend the use of the popular, reusable veggie bag as an alternative. Best regards Sebastian
