Removing packaging from uncut fresh produce: a financial case for action

WRAP’s 'financial case for action’ models the financial benefits of removing packaging—especially plastic— from uncut fresh fruit and vegetables sold in UK retail, and suggests the entire fresh produce supply chain and consumers could benefit financially if regulation were to be introduced.

This report follows on from WRAP’s October 2024 policy recommendation and supports the business case for government action on restricting packaging on uncut fruit and vegetables sold in UK retail.

Addressing food and packaging waste is imperative in creating a circular economy and achieving sustainability goals. The UK sells uniquely high volumes of plastic packaged fruit and vegetables– around 81%[i], compared with European Union where it is generally around 50%[ii]. With growing global regulation to restrict uncut fresh produce packaging, in particular EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, the time is now for action in the UK.

This report presents an assessment of the current financial costs of packaging waste and food waste using up to date tonnages of UK household food waste and tonnages of packaging material placed on market. It uses a model to calculate: a) projected savings through reduced consumption of packaging; b) financial benefits from avoided packaging including savings from plastic compliance fees; c) reduced waste management costs for packaging; and d) projected savings for consumers during rising food inflation and a cost-of-living crisis.

[i] UK Plastics Pact Annual Report 2023-24, WRAP, 2024

[ii] X, Olga, How Will Revamped EU Packaging Law Affect Fresh Produce Industry?, Produce Report, 2024 [Accessed 17 September 2025]

Key findings

The research reveals an opportunity for saving money on food shops during a cost of living crisis and rising food inflation:

• projected savings for consumers of £136 million annually by being able to buy closer to the quantity that they need
• improved access to healthy and sustainable diets by allowing for greater variety and flexibility in purchasing.

WRAP’s model predicts removing packaging from target 21 items (identified as part of previous work with industry) could reduce business costs across the supply chain by £129 million annually, calculated by:

• packaging material savings of £112 million (producers)
• savings from plastic compliance fees of £16.8 million, including:
  • £10.5 million in Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility fees (retailers & brands)
  • £14.5 million in Plastic Packaging Tax (producers)
  • £1.7 million in future waste management fees through UK Emissions Trading Scheme (cost borne by local authorities but if packaging material incineration costs are considered as part of the calculation of the pEPR payments from 2028 then fees will be passed through).