Sainsbury’s Leading the Charge in Plastic Reduction
In a groundbreaking move, Sainsbury’s has announced a substantial reduction in the plastic used in its fish and chicken packaging, aiming to cut plastic usage by 70%.
This initiative is expected to save up to 700 tonnes of plastic each year, all while this bold step also being in line with the retailer’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and reducing environmental impact.
One of the most notable changes is the switch from plastic to pulp cardboard trays for Sainsbury’s own-label salmon products. This transition marks a first for a UK retailer and is anticipated to save 346 tonnes of plastic annually.
The innovation extends to their Taste the Difference and By Sainsbury’s breaded chicken lines, which will also see a shift to cardboard trays, resulting in a further reduction of 300 tonnes of plastic per year. Additionally, the Taste the Difference fish fillets will adopt the same sustainable packaging, saving 48 tonnes of plastic annually.
The new packaging will be rolled out throughout the summer, covering a variety of seasonal chicken lines, including finger food and BBQ ranges. Consumers can expect to find sustainably packaged breaded goujons, nuggets, schnitzels, and other related products.
Furthermore, these pulp cardboard trays and traditional cardboard trays are designed to be easily recyclable, encouraging consumers to reduce household waste by utilising kerbside recycling facilities.
With the introduction of these changes, Sainsbury’s anticipates saving 346 tonnes of plastic annually from the salmon trays alone. The breaded chicken lines will see a reduction of 300 tonnes of plastic each year, while the Taste the Difference fish fillets will save an additional 48 tonnes of plastic annually.
Previously, the removal of single-use plastic trays from its whole chicken range saved 140 tonnes of plastic per year, showcasing Sainsbury’s ongoing commitment to reducing plastic waste.
The director of product and innovation at Sainsbury’s highlighted the importance of reducing plastic packaging for their popular salmon products as part of their broader Plan for Better goals. The switch to recycled pulp card trays across all By Sainsbury’s and Taste the Difference salmon products reinforces their leadership in sustainability initiatives within the retail sector.
The director also emphasised that with salmon being one of Sainsbury’s most popular fish, it was a priority to reduce plastic packaging for this much-loved product. This move makes Sainsbury’s the first retailer to implement recycled pulp card trays across all their By Sainsbury’s and Taste the Difference salmon products.
This latest sustainability drive follows Sainsbury’s earlier efforts to remove single-use plastic trays from its whole chicken range, which saved 140 tonnes of plastic per year. The trayless products, which use a minimum of 50% less plastic, are now available in all UK stores and online, covering five product lines ranging from extra-small to extra-large whole chickens.
The shift to more sustainable packaging not only aids in reducing plastic waste but also supports consumers in their efforts to live more environmentally conscious lives. By making these changes, Sainsbury’s ensures that the new packaging can be easily recycled through regular kerbside recycling programs, simplifying the process for consumers.
Sainsbury’s continues to innovate in its packaging solutions, demonstrating a strong commitment to environmental stewardship. These changes are part of a broader strategy to meet and exceed their Plan for Better sustainability targets, showcasing the retailer’s dedication to creating a positive impact on the environment.
To conclude, Sainsbury’s continues to set a high standard in the retail industry’s sustainability efforts with its innovative packaging solutions. By significantly reducing plastic usage across its fish and chicken lines, the retailer is not only meeting its environmental goals but also empowering consumers to contribute to waste reduction.
With these pioneering changes, Sainsbury’s is making a substantial impact on reducing plastic waste and paving the way for a more sustainable future in the grocery sector. The retailer’s proactive approach serves as a model for others, underscoring the importance of sustainability in everyday business practices.
News Credits: Sainsbury’s cuts 700 tonnes of plastic from fish and chicken lines
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