The Commerce Federation CLC and the Food Supplier Federation criticised five new waste reduction laws expected to be voted in the Chamber of Deputies on Wednesday.
Goy Grosbuch, manager of large produce supplier Grosbusch explained in an RTL interview why the law banning packaging for produce under 1.5kg may be nonsensical:
“The lifespan of a plastic-wrapped cucumber is 4-5 days longer. So will you take the one wrapped in plastic, reducing food waste, or follow the eco line as a supermarket and risk sitting on an unsold cucumber after 2-3 days and throwing it out.”
Instead of following French law, Luxembourg is trying to concoct separate regulations, Grosbusch said. France is the biggest producer and consumer of fruit and vegetables in Europe and therefore a good guide.
“They have thought this through and put up a step-by-step plan going until 2028, rather than trying to revolutionise everything in one go.”
Additionally, produce originating in Luxembourg makes up less than 3%. No foreign supplier will adapt their regulations to Luxembourgish requirements, when the quantities ordered are minimal, he said.
Claude Bizjak, assistant director at the CLC, also criticises the planned deposit on drinks.
“You have to wonder what problem we are trying to solve. 96% of people think recycling is important and we have a high recycling rate. Deposits will not make us generate less plastic. There’s just a price on every plastic bottle.”
It is arguable whether that really reduces littering, he said. Offering public waste bins sorting different materials could be much more effective. The new laws will primarily have a financial impact.
“Introducing a deposit will also reduce the attractivity of Luxembourgish retail for cross-border workers. You have to wonder what this could mean for Luxembourg financially.”
RTL-News: Gréng schwätze vu Revolutioun, CLC spuert net u Kritik
