ADVERTISEMENT

We know what a lot of you Pandas are like. You care about Mother Earth and its delicious bamboo groves, lush forests, and comfy nooks and crannies where you can nap. So you recycle. You also cycle to work instead of driving your Pandamobile. And you buy products that are more eco-friendly and use less plastic. Because every little step really does matter.

But let’s face it, if you’re like us, sometimes when you walk into a grocery store you might lose hope when you spot just how much unnecessary packaging is used to pack some food products. And by unnecessary packaging, we mean U n N e C e S s A r Y to the point that you feel all of your environmentally friendly actions suddenly mean very little when faced with systemic issues on an industrial scale.

We wanted to show you just how plastically insane things can get, so our bamboo-loving Bored Panda team hiked all through the internet wilds to bring you the most egregious examples of wasteful food packaging. Have a scroll down below, upvote the pics that made you want to throw your recycling bin at somebody, and let us know how you feel about all of this plastic waste in the comments.

#2

Hong Kong Supermarket Selling Individually Plastic Wrapped And Boxed Strawberry. For $21. One Strawberry

Hong Kong Supermarket Selling Individually Plastic Wrapped And Boxed Strawberry. For $21. One Strawberry

Ree81 Report

#3

Replacing The Egg Shell With More Plastic To Go Into The Ocean

Replacing The Egg Shell With More Plastic To Go Into The Ocean

ShinigamiDady Report

Add photo comments
POST
wehf100 avatar
Wilf
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

why??? What possible benefit is there to be gained by removing an egg from its shell???

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Setting aside the practical long-term economic and ecological worries that we have for our own survival, we have to realize that our attitudes toward our environment, plastic pollution, and consumption reflect who we are inside.

Not to sound too cheesy (don’t worry, it’s vegan), but the fight for a clean and healthy planet is also a fight for our very souls. We can either live wastefully, destroying everything around us for short-term pleasure and profit or we can choose to live with wisdom, respecting our role as a part of nature. Now, this certainly doesn’t mean living as ascetically as a monk would, but it doesn’t hurt to have a more minimalist outlook to counter the throwaway society that we live in.

#4

Packaged Chopped Parsley

Packaged Chopped Parsley

urbanearthlovers Report

#5

Plastic Has To Removed From Every Single Mini Sausage Before Cooking

Plastic Has To Removed From Every Single Mini Sausage Before Cooking

UndocumentedTuesday Report

Add photo comments
POST
vickyavrules avatar
Alonso Victoria
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't know in other countries, but here in México that isn't plastic, is some sort of gelatin film completly edible, you can choose if you eat it or discard it.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#6

If Only Oranges Came With Their Own Protective Packaging So We Didn't Have To Use Plastic

If Only Oranges Came With Their Own Protective Packaging So We Didn't Have To Use Plastic

c08306834 Report

Add photo comments
POST
candacealagappan avatar
Candace Alagappan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

FYI Those are mandarins... Not hating, just stating facts. Incredible post and caption though!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Single-use plastics currently account for more than a third of all plastics produced each year. What’s more, 98 percent of single-use plastics are manufactured from fossil fuels. Tackling this issue, then, is a vital part of protecting our environment and our future. The BBC reports that an analysis of the business network behind plastic production found that a mere 20 companies are the source of more than half of all the single-use plastic items that are thrown away all over the world.

#7

Individually Wrapped Grapes In Japan

Individually Wrapped Grapes In Japan

momonomo99 Report

Add photo comments
POST
sonja-szabrotska avatar
kjorn avatar
kjorn
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

no wonder asian countries provide the most plastic in the sea

ohxrkqra avatar
isabella avatar
Isabella
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

😣 I hope I won't see peas and poppy seeds individually wrapped!

klynch4 avatar
Loki’s Lil Butter Knife
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These are the "famed" Ruby Roman grapes that are grown exclusively in Ishikawa Prefecture in Japan are one of the most expensive fruits in the world (when sold as a bunch). Each grape is inspected and hand-picked for quality and taste. Fruit became a luxury item in Japan and is often given as gifts to show someone you truly care for them. Still, I'm not sure that I would pay 10 pounds for an individual grape (maybe if it was covered in gold dust and blessed by virgins)

rakuun avatar
Ed
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Apparently you guys have never lived in Japan. A lot of fruits are very expensive there, so yes they will sell an individual one for a lot less.

ayelet-cooper avatar
alwaysMispelled
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow and I thought the strawberry was a bit much... who eats only one grape???

ambarsanchezcuello avatar
Ambar
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i thought grapes come in groups!! and can use less plastic!

josephgeorgiadis avatar
Joseph Georgiadis
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How come the most needless and stupid packaging comes from SE Asia?

ohxrkqra avatar
Kira Okah
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Japanese, not SE Asia, and here is an explanation - https://www.tsunagulocal.com/en/47587/

Load More Replies...
nicoleholttx avatar
Nicole Holt
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When we visited in 2019 we noticed that fruit was VERY overpriced in Japan.

rubydavis avatar
Ruby Davis
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm hoping what they are sitting on is edible as well. This is so stupid

andrewm-am12 avatar
Horatio Jebanon
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's more extreme than what I usually see here in Japan, but it's pretty normal for grapes to sell at between $20 to $40 USD. Fruit is kind of a luxury. My wife's family seemed kind of shocked when I mentioned I had bought a citrus juicer.

mel_8601 avatar
Honey
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What is Japan doing with this whole 'individual wrapping of fruit' thing??

fiekeengelen avatar
Fieke Engelen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was trying to decide. Are they apples? tomatoes? NO, single grapes!!!

bandit avatar
D Gangwere
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, it does slow down the time needed to eat the grapes. Sad, though.

ivannacerelia avatar
SunofSpringtime
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love Japan, but they're packagings are sometimes counter-productive. I really despise the plastic leaf garnish they put inside their pre-packaged bento boxes.

silvia_john avatar
Silvia John
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And I always thought that we in Germany produce way too much plastic waste. But when I see the examples here from Japan, I'm really speechless.

alexking avatar
Alex King
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Japan offers the best quality fruits in the world. Every fruit sold is perfect. But it’s expensive! Lived at an Air Force base there. Also I would order an ice cream treat for myself and the table next to me had the same dessert, but with 6 people sharing it. Wtf?? This is why Japanese folks are thin.That and the fact that folks walk, bicycle and go up 10,000 steps to get around. There’s no way 1 grape would satisfy me. Note that folks are fanatic about recycling. Once I put something in the wrong recycling bin (there were 5 different types) and you would’ve thought I took a #2 in the middle of the street.

iajdini avatar
Bardhi's Dad
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So stupid! But, on the other hand, there are so many stupid people in the world, so they have buyers for this sh.t

kobayashi-ken avatar
K.Kobayashi
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

FYI, some Japanese grapes are enormous. These are probably about 1.5" diameter. And insanely sweet.

lunanik avatar
Nikki Sevven
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

All right, what kind of absolute crazy person only eats one grape?!

stevensedwards avatar
Hannah Edwards
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This had better be some kind of advanced, futuristic, organic and biodegradable non-plastic packaging made out of corn starch or some such.

pebs_1 avatar
pebs
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'll never understand why the Japanese don't grow fruit. Greenhouses exist practically everywhere in the world, is it possible that only in Japan they are unknown? Is there any Japanese who can enlighten me?

kobayashi-ken avatar
K.Kobayashi
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What are you talking about? Japan is full of farms and greenhouses. Most fruit sold in Japan are grown there, including these giant grapes.

Load More Replies...
baconycakes1337 avatar
Bacony Cakes
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Japan, this is the }Sixth.{ time you've done something stupid, what the hell?

cassiewilliams avatar
Cassie
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The over-packaging is still egregious, but fruit is in short supply in Japan, so is considered a bit of a luxury.

dandegnan avatar
Danieletc
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Another example of why Japan appears to be the overall winner when it comes to over-packaging.

tami_6 avatar
Tami
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I bought a tube of antiseptic at a Japanese pharmacy. The clerk wrapped the boxed tube in nice paper, put it into plasticized paper sack, then carefully folded the top down and stapled it twice. I was charmed and flummoxed at the same time.

sumaeid avatar
Madam Butterfly
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Today i crave a grape,Just one grape,Tomorrow i want half a banana. 0.o

ohxrkqra avatar
Kira Okah
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The lack of information on this one bothers me. Those however look like huge af grapes. They are likely specialist grown like the cube melons, and presented this way to be a gift to your boss. Also very likely to be really expensive.

giulia_3 avatar
Giulia
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

for when you are hungry for just one grape, of course

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#9

The Three Layers Of Plastic Protection For These Oranges. How Is This Even Allowed?

The Three Layers Of Plastic Protection For These Oranges. How Is This Even Allowed?

j_fisher85 Report

Add photo comments
POST
firefly131131 avatar
Coleonema
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why is it that it seems that the most plastic used in packaging is in Japanese/Chinese markets? I've seen many examples of this and it makes no sense to me

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

“Plastic bottles, food packages, and bags are among billions of items that are used once and then thrown away, often ending up in the oceans,” the BBC writes about the impact these companies, the largest producer of single-use plastic of which is ExxonMobil, have on the world.

ADVERTISEMENT
#12

What Can You Even Make With 1 Tomato?? The Styrofoam Bedding

What Can You Even Make With 1 Tomato?? The Styrofoam Bedding

plasticobsessedjapan Report

Add photo comments
POST
dcp118 avatar
Shoddy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I understand the waste aspect here. But the title? Why do you have to make something with a tomato? Slice it up and put it on a sandwich.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

According to the research, conducted among others by the London School of Economics, part of the increase in single-use plastic waste is due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with protective and medical equipment having to be discarded for health and safety reasons.

#13

I Can’t Even Imagine How Much Plastic Waste Is Just Sitting In Landfills Because Of Pointless Things Like This

I Can’t Even Imagine How Much Plastic Waste Is Just Sitting In Landfills Because Of Pointless Things Like This

_johnfromtheblock_ Report

Add photo comments
POST
ohxrkqra avatar
Kira Okah
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Do you see the stickers on the potatoes? "Microwave ready". They are for bringing into work and bunging in the microwave with the plastic still on. Because if you're stuck with only a microwave, plastic wrapped potatoes apparently taste better when microwaved and not every workplace has cling wrap. Actually saves some plastic use with how some people trail cling wrap.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#14

Pre Peeled Bananas In Plastic. There Is So Much Wrong With This!!

Pre Peeled Bananas In Plastic. There Is So Much Wrong With This!!

lillys_plastic_pickup Report

Add photo comments
POST
stephaniedemeritt_5 avatar
Ste
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As soon as you peel a banana and expose it to air, it begins to turn brown. That's disgusting

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#15

Spraying Water Over Vegetables Wrapped In Plastic, Complete Waste

Spraying Water Over Vegetables Wrapped In Plastic, Complete Waste

ChiefChair Report

The United Kingdom is in fourth place in its plastic consumption, with each citizen generating over 40 kilograms of single-use plastic waste per year. Australia is in first place, meanwhile, the United States stands in second place.

#16

Looks Like Some People Are Still Grapeling With Their New Year's Resolutions

Looks Like Some People Are Still Grapeling With Their New Year's Resolutions

pointless_packaging Report

#17

Harry & David Strawberries

Harry & David Strawberries

socialcookingclub.niti Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#18

Wouldn't It Be Nice If Fruit Like Bananas Had Their Own Natural Packaging To Help Reduce Plastic Pollution?

Wouldn't It Be Nice If Fruit Like Bananas Had Their Own Natural Packaging To Help Reduce Plastic Pollution?

jimmmUK Report

Add photo comments
POST
master_minds9 avatar
denzoren
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Banana releases ethylene...which speeds up ripening. Putting it in a bag just makes it worse.

View more commentsArrow down menu

Essentially, what the report showed is that the future of the plastic waste crisis lies in the hands of a handful of companies. Therefore change that affects our environment on a global scale ought to start from there.

#19

This Is Some Next Level Laziness

This Is Some Next Level Laziness

goldfishstick Report

Add photo comments
POST
francesm avatar
Frances M
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For people with arthritis in their hands but who still want to enjoy oranges...

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#20

My Wife Wanted Peeled Garlic. They Peeled, Then Individually Wrapped Them

My Wife Wanted Peeled Garlic. They Peeled, Then Individually Wrapped Them

kuahara Report

#21

A Packaged Lemon, With The Slogan "Waste Less, Enjoy More"

A Packaged Lemon, With The Slogan "Waste Less, Enjoy More"

ReminiscentSnake Report

“It's an extraordinary point of leverage for regulators, for finance institutions, to influence them in order that rather than producing from fossil fuels, they produce plastic that's recycled,” said Dominic Charles, the Minderoo Foundation’s director of finance and transparency. The Minderoo Foundation published the research findings.

"We need to go after the tap, to turn off the tap of fossil fuel plastics and we need to create plastics from recycled material,” Charles from the Minderoo Foundation said.

#22

My Hellofresh Meal Kit Came With 4 Individually Bagged Carrots And A Bagged Slice Of Bread

My Hellofresh Meal Kit Came With 4 Individually Bagged Carrots And A Bagged Slice Of Bread

mrFLONK Report

Add photo comments
POST
saragregory0508 avatar
N G
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is HelloFresh different in other countries then? My HelloFresh comes in so little plastic packaging I've occasionally lost the single garlic clove they sent until I tip the entire box upside down and it's under one of the ice bags!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda

In short, there’s a need to put a stop to the production of single-use plastics from non-recyclable materials, in order to counteract the report’s grim prognosis: within the next 5 years, plastic production is set to expand by a whopping 30 percent.

#25

If Only Bananas Had Robust, Natural, Bio-Degradable Packaging Of Their Own. Some Sort Of Peelable Skin, Perhaps

If Only Bananas Had Robust, Natural, Bio-Degradable Packaging Of Their Own. Some Sort Of Peelable Skin, Perhaps

thenamenononehas Report

#26

It's Getting Hot In Here, So Take Off All Your Cloves

It's Getting Hot In Here, So Take Off All Your Cloves

pointless_packaging Report

#27

The Most Ridiculous Part About Living In Japan: Plastic Everywhere!

The Most Ridiculous Part About Living In Japan: Plastic Everywhere!

thesimpleenvironmentalist Report

Add photo comments
POST
kyniska_911 avatar
Jane S.
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm starting to feel better about my own country. We still use too much plastic, but at least we don't do this.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#28

Individually Wrapped Gummy Bears

Individually Wrapped Gummy Bears

OniTale Report

#29

These Peeled Avocados Wrapped In Plastic

These Peeled Avocados Wrapped In Plastic

averhaegen Report

#30

Individually Wrapped Peppers That Are Used For Salad And Pre Cut Into 1/4s Just To Have To Be Cut Again Into Smaller Pieces

Individually Wrapped Peppers That Are Used For Salad And Pre Cut Into 1/4s Just To Have To Be Cut Again Into Smaller Pieces

6packobeer Report

Add photo comments
POST
james_fox1984 avatar
Foxxy (The Original)
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I know as a society we are becoming more and more time poor but this is just ridiculous.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Note: this post originally had 70 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda