Dear Migros
You remember the discussion about apple slices in plastic bags from a year ago.
Recently this was a topic of discussion at our company, not just these apple slices of course, but plastic waste in general and who is doing what about it. We all have too much plastic at home. We are all aware of this and we can only partially replace it with something else. At least without any effort. In other words, in a way that is really sustainable.
But the simple things, yes, they would be nice if we could buy them without plastic or with less plastic.
So here are a few questions that I'm sure you can explain to me - dear Migros - quite simply.
Why are cucumbers shrink-wrapped?
Why are cherry tomatoes only available in packaging?
Why are peppers available in packs of three and open?
Why were the following prices in Migros Baden recently
Pepperoni red 3-pack 500g CHF 3.00
Pepperoni mixed 3 pack 500g CHF 2.30 (promotion instead of 2.90)
Pepperoni red open per kg CHF 6.10 which converted into 500g was the most expensive with a price of CHF 3.05. The unpacked peppers! And I had my own bags with me to buy them open.
I'm looking forward to your feedback and would be happy if you could do with a little less plastic for things like this...
All replies (9)
I asked myself the same questions as ViiBii. Actually, (almost?) everything could be done without plastic, at least in the fruit and vegetable section. What I can least understand is why organic vegetables, of all things, are often wrapped in plastic. Wouldn't it make sense not to wrap organic vegetables in plastic? The combination of organic in plastic puts the environmentally conscious in an unnecessarily complicated position. But in general, I would expect a cooperative that calls itself sustainable etc. to react more consistently and quickly to such expectations or even try to be one step ahead in this respect.
So I think the one with the cucumber was that they get lame faster in the store if they are not sealed, I read the argument a few days ago.
Yes, I don't think I saw the bags (bags for 6.50) next to the bananas in the Wynecenter Buchs AG when I wanted to buy for my neighbor on Saturday.
I think organic should not be packaged but normal non-organic vegetables should be packaged (if of course possible also unpackaged.
Lg @Mystery1978
Hello ViiBii
Thank you for your request.
We already sell many products without packaging. This is being promoted wherever possible. We are also constantly testing new alternatives. We have several experts working every day to optimize our packaging. As the largest retailer in Switzerland, we take our responsibility seriously and are doing our bit: We are replacing plastic wherever it makes sense. Since 2011, almost 10,000 tons of packaging have been optimized. In a current pledge, we are aiming for 6,000 tons by 2020. You can find all the information here:https://generation-m.migros.ch/de/nachhaltigkeitsthemen/plastik.html
Now to your question about the cucumber wrapped in plastic:
A thin plastic film makes perfect sense in terms of product protection: an unpackaged cucumber is no longer saleable after a few days, but 1.5 grams of packaging will keep it fresh for around two weeks.
I will look into your questions about the store in Baden and get back to you.
Best regards
Sebastian
1.5 g of plastic per cucumber sounds cute... may I ask how many cucumbers Migros sells in Switzerland each year?
In my opinion, plastic wrap is a cheap and easy way to avoid having to tackle the - admittedly more difficult to solve - logistics and supply problems. Shorter transportation routes is the magic word. And over-indulged Swiss customers would have to learn again that a "baggy" cucumber is not a bad cucumber, but has simply lost a relatively small part of its natural, very high water content. Just like shrivelled potatoes, shrivelled apples, etc. All still perfectly edible. In contrast to fruit and vegetables, which tend to go moldy under plastic. But Migros doesn't like to talk about that...
Hello Sebastian
Thanks for your interim report and the comment on the cucumber packaging. How would it be if you would inform us with a label? In general, why something that is already protected by a tray is packaged again? Then we consumers wouldn't always ask ourselves the same question. Some things may be understandable after explanation. And there would be room for the price tags.
Incidentally, the next question about packaging comes to mind. Champions. Budget are in plastic trays, others are on open sale. Again, why? Purely a 'wonder-nose question' with a bit of 'could-you-even-go-without-it?
Are the three-packs of peppers or zucchinis simply because people are too lazy to weigh them themselves or do they keep longer than those without packaging?
Incidentally, all the peppers in Baden were from Spain, so that can't be the reason for the price difference.
LG
Hello ViiBii
Thank you for your feedback. As already mentioned, some of your questions are still being clarified by the Migros Aare Cooperative. However, I can answer the remaining questions in the meantime.
Why are cherry tomatoes only available in packaged form?
Why are chilli peppers available in packs of three and open?
M-Budget mushrooms are in plastic trays, others are sold open. Why is that?
Now to@Eleonor85 's question about packaged organic vegetables.
We already sell many organic products without packaging. Organic fruit and vegetables are either labeled with a sticker or banded. This is being promoted wherever possible. We are also constantly looking at new alternatives. However, organic products must be clearly separated from conventionally produced products at all times due to the Organic Farming Ordinance, which is why they are often packaged today.
I hope I have been able to answer some of your questions and will get back to you as soon as I have more information.
Best regards
Sebastian
If organic vegetables were unpackaged, but the "normal" ones were packaged, much more plastic would be needed, proportional to the quantities sold! I think the fact that organic produce is packaged and priced is also down to certain clever customers!
I hadn't thought about it, you're right
Hello @ViiBii, I would like to comment on the prices of chilli peppers. As of calendar week 5, the procurement prices from Spain were unexpectedly high, which resulted in an upward price correction. However, as a promotion with mixed peppers in 500 g bags was planned at short notice, we were no longer allowed to adjust the sales price upwards in the current week, shortly before the start of the promotion. As a result, we have adopted the price from the previous week (CHF 2.90). We are aware that this is unfortunate and we are aware of this for future promotions. Kind regards, Richi