Tesco has announced that it has now removed more than two billion pieces of plastic from its UK business since the launch of its 4Rs packaging strategy – Remove. Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. – in 2019.
The retailer noted that, in the last 12 months alone, 500 million pieces of unnecessary plastic have been identified and removed.
The most recent annual savings include: more than 30 million plastic yoghurt lids removed; over 29 million pieces of plastic removed from limescale tablet packaging; nearly 24 million plastic windows removed from doughnut packaging; and nearly nine million pieces of plastic removed from nappy packaging.
Taking Care Of Our Planet
Kené Umeasiegbu, responsible sourcing director, Tesco, said, “We all have a responsibility to take care of our planet, and removing unnecessary plastic is an important way that Tesco can reduce its environmental impact.
“As well as taking action in our own operations, we want to work with the whole industry to continue to build on the progress we’ve made to remove, reduce, reuse and recycle more.”
Strategic Report
Tesco also announced that it has published a major new strategic report, detailing efforts needed by retailers, industry and government to help transform the UK’s approach to packaging.
Ideas include: creating a level playing field when it comes to removing packaging in produce; supporting government efforts to introduce consistent kerbside recycling; ensuring that a deposit return scheme is viable and sustainable; and creating industry momentum on reusable packaging solutions.
Read More: Tesco Ireland Launches Reusable Bag For Fruit And Veg
© 2023 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Donna Ahern. For more packaging stories, click here. Click subscribe to sign up for the Checkout print edition.
