Does Plastic Really Keep Produce Fresh? Here’s the Truth
When it comes to storing fresh produce, many of us grew up believing that plastic is the best option. After all, supermarkets package fruit and veg in plastic, so it must be helping them stay fresh… right?
Not quite. In fact, that cling film or plastic bag might be doing more harm than good. Let’s bust the myth and explore a better, more sustainable way to keep your food fresher for longer - with science on our side.
Why Plastic Makes Produce Spoil Faster: The Science
Plastic might seem like it keeps food fresh by “sealing in” moisture. But here's the catch: plastic also traps too much moisture, which creates the perfect breeding ground for mould and bacteria. It also restricts airflow, meaning your fruit and veg can suffocate, sweat, and rot much faster.
This is especially true for items like leafy greens, berries, or herbs- how often have you found them limp, slimy, or shrivelled at the back of the fridge?
Let’s break down exactly why plastic packaging isn’t doing your produce any favours:
Plastic Traps Ethylene Gas
Many fruits and vegetables (like apples, bananas, and avocados) naturally release ethylene gas as they ripen. In plastic, this gas builds up - causing nearby produce to ripen and spoil more quickly. So in fact, plastic accelerates spoilage instead of slowing it down.
Plastic Creates Condensation
Plastic traps moisture, especially in the fridge where temperatures fluctuate. This leads to condensation, creating a wet and soggy environment that speeds up the breakdown of your food. (This is what causes your soggy spinach and slimy salad leaves!)
Plastic Suffocates Your Produce
Fruit and veg need to "breathe" - a process called respiration. Airtight plastic bags don’t allow air to circulate, which can suffocate your produce, speed up decay, and even change the taste.
Plastic Doesn’t Regulate Temperature
Plastic offers no thermal protection, meaning your produce is exposed to cold spots and temperature swings in your fridge. This can damage delicate items like berries or fresh herbs.
How to Keep Your Fruit and Veg Fresher for Longer Without Plastic
Fresh produce is still alive after it’s picked. It continues to “breathe” through a process called respiration, releasing moisture and gases. To stay fresh, it needs a balance of:
Moisture – to prevent wilting and dehydration
Airflow – to allow gases to escape and avoid suffocation
Temperature (stable and not too cold or too warm) – to slow the respiration process
Plastic fails on all three counts. It traps excess moisture, prevents air circulation, and doesn’t adapt to changing conditions in your fridge.
So, What’s the Alternative? Meet The Swag!
The Swag is an Aussie invention that’s changing the way we store fruit and veg. Made from three layers of unbleached, unseeded cotton, it creates the ideal environment for fresh produce - keeping it fresher for two weeks or more!
Here’s how it works:
Outer layer: protects produce and stops the moisture escaping too quickly
Middle layer: holds just the right amount of water to keep things hydrated
Inner layer: allows produce to breathe and stay crisp, not soggy
This clever combo keeps fruit and veg in their happy place: hydrated, well-ventilated, and naturally fresh! All without plastic.
The Results? Less Waste, More Taste
Using The Swag means:
✅ Fresher produce for longer
✅ Less food waste
✅ Fewer plastic bags in landfill
✅ More savings on your grocery bill
Plus, it’s compostable, reusable, and machine-washable. Good for your food, your wallet, and the planet!
Ready to make the switch?
If you’re fed up with throwing away rotten fruit and veg every week, explore our full range of Swags and start saving your fruit, veg and the planet, one bag at a time.
Shop The Swag now
