Unwrapped: Embracing the Packaging-Free Shopping Revolution

According to Eurostat, In 2020, the amount of municipal waste generated per person in the EU amounted to 505 kg. Our daily life, laden with plastic-wrapped vegetables, fruit, pasta, meat, and fish, contributes to a mounting crisis. 

The Plastic Soup Foundation states that about 40% of plastic waste in Europe comes from food packaging. Between 2010 and 2021, ​‘paper and cardboard’ emerged as the predominant packaging waste material in the EU, reaching 34.0 million tonnes in 2021. This was closely followed by plastic, with 16.1 million tonnes, and glass packaging waste at 15.6 million tonnes. This packaging menace not only litters our environment but also poses significant risks to wildlife and our health.

But fear not, for there is a sustainable solution! Embark on a journey to bulk stores or zero waste shops, where you can purchase a variety of healthy foods and safe cleaning products, all devoid of detrimental packaging.

Why Plastic Packaging?

Plastic packaging has been a permanent fixture on supermarket shelves and has been deemed a necessary evil that prevents food waste and preserves the freshness and taste of fruits and vegetables. However, an 18-month study by the sustainability charity WRAP revealed that single-use plastic packaging does not significantly extend the shelf life of fresh produce such as apples, bananas, and potatoes and may actually lead to increased food waste by encouraging consumers to buy more than needed.

The research suggests that improved storage conditions and buying appropriate quantities of food are more effective in reducing waste than plastic packaging. If supermarkets sold these items loose without best-before dates, it could save over 10,300 tonnes of plastic and 100,000 tonnes of food waste annually. Therefore, zero waste shops are our strongest allies when it comes to more sustainable shopping and consumption.

Bulk stores champion the cause of minimising the distance between farmers and consumers, allowing you to purchase all your favourite products, like flour, pasta, rice, and even wine, directly from local producers. This supports your community’s economy and guarantees fresh, wholesome food on your table.

It’s important to note that organic produce is often wrapped in plastic to prevent cross-contamination from non-organic goods. Yet, this concern is eliminated when you shop at zero waste outlets that exclusively stock organic products.

While packaging does have its justification in certain cases, more often than not, it serves merely as a tool for convenience or marketing rather than necessity.

Packaging Free Shops

In packaging-free shops, you can indulge in an array of products for both personal and family use without the guilt of contributing to the plastic problem. These stores encourage you to bring your own containers, significantly reducing waste. Even if you forget your jars or bags, many shops offer sustainable alternatives like recyclable paper bags or the option to purchase empty containers.

These package free hubs often source their products from local suppliers, thus reducing transportation emissions and ensuring you enjoy fresh, delectable produce without the waste. Opting for a packaging-free lifestyle can significantly reduce your waste footprint, contributing positively to the environment, your well-being, and local agriculture.

Curious to dive deeper into the world of zero waste shopping? Why not book a green shop tour with The Sustainable Guide in Hoorn or Amsterdam? Discover a variety of charming clothing and zero waste shops, and immerse yourself in a more sustainable lifestyle.

OHNE

With locations in Aalst, Zwalm, Ternat, Ghent, and Nevele, OHNE offers a wide range of organic, local, and packaging-free goods. From organic food items to natural cosmetics and household products, they prioritise local farmers’ fresh produce and feature vegetarian and vegan options.

Robuust

Antwerp​’s first packaging free shop Robuust provides a range of dry goods, organic vegetables, fruits, and fresh produce, all sourced locally and seasonally. Discover their assortment of zero waste care and household products.

KarmaMarkt

In Bruges, KarmaMarkt invites you to bring your own containers or purchase one in-store, offering products mostly from local suppliers, ranging from oils to rice.

Tarra verpakkingsvrij

Located in Dendermonde, Tarra verpakkingsvrij features an extensive vegan and gluten-free selection, from nuts and pasta to refillable spices, tea, and oil. They also offer zero waste grooming products, toilet paper and household items.

The Barn Antwerpen

An indoor organic market in Antwerp, The Barn offers organic food at competitive prices, focusing on seasonal products from local, Belgian, and European producers.

Para Ti

Para Ti revolutionises shopping in Bruges as a fully automated, always-open store. This innovative shop offers an array of products from 45 local traders, ensuring freshness and quality. The shopping process is straightforward and convenient. Download the Para Ti app on your smartphone and proceed to register and set up your preferred payment method. Once inside, you can browse the selection and shop to your heart’s content by scanning the QR codes on the doors of your desired products. With this seamless technology, shopping becomes an effortless experience.

Download the Para Ti app!

Kudzu

Kudzu is an online supermarket that provides a vast selection of sustainable alternatives for everyday needs. It offers an extensive range of products, enabling you to find eco-friendlier options for nearly every aspect of your daily life. 

Whether you are searching for cosmetics, children’s clothing, book bags, sustainable underwear, eco-friendly razor blades, bamboo cutlery, or even bicycle oil, Kudzu has you covered. Certain products are packaged. However, the packaging is either recyclable or made from recycled materials. Kudzu’s website is also hosted on a green server, reducing its digital carbon footprint.

The Plastic Free Co.

The Plastic Free Co. is Amsterdam​’s one-stop shop for all zero waste essentials, from household items to gifts, hair care, skin care products and starter kits for a flying start to a zero waste lifestyle.

Druantia

Druantia in Lier is a treasure trove. It provides all the raw materials and supplies needed to create your own cosmetics, reducing packaging waste and giving you control over what goes into your personal care products. Druantia also offers recipes, books, and workshops to guide your DIY journey, making it a one-stop shop for eco-friendly and personalised beauty solutions.

Get out your jars, bottles and reusable bags and go zero waste shopping at one of the shops above!

Find shops that encourage a zero waste lifestyle by using the filters in the shopping guide.