The industry’s trade association, the Retail Council of Canada, said the new policy “unfortunately” targets large grocers exclusively.

“Which is impractical, as Canadian retailers lack direct control and influence over the global supply chain,” said Michelle Wasylyshen, the council’s national spokesperson.

  • EhForumUser@lemmy.ca
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    1 year ago

    They have downstream control, but not upstream control. It is the upstream that is demanding plastic packaging here, particularly plastics which have transparency. For some reason they want to be able to see the food before buying it.

    • jadero@lemmy.ca
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      1 year ago

      Obviously something I hadn’t considered. On the other hand, we buy plenty of canned and boxed food without being able to see the food itself, so this may be just a matter of forcing us to adjust. Although I’m not sure that I can ever be convinced to buy most meats without being able to see it.

      • EhForumUser@lemmy.ca
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        1 year ago

        we buy plenty of canned and boxed food without being able to see the food itself

        It is quite true that the upstream doesn’t demand plastic for plastic’s sake, it demands plastic only when it provides a real utility. Granted, even cans are typically lined in plastic and boxes often contain plastic bags to allow the product to remain self-stable and fresh. If the customer can’t see the product, they expect some guarantees about its quality, and plastic can help with that.

        • jadero@lemmy.ca
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          1 year ago

          Ok, there is a lot more to it than I thought. As usual, there is always a lot more than what is obvious to the casual observer. Thanks.