TESCO is to ‘rewind the clock back to the days of traditional bakeries’ by removing plastic from a number of its bakery items.
It will see loose loaves of bread sold, as well as the likes of doughnuts, croissants, and pain au chocolats being packed in recyclable paper bags with glassine windows.
The supermarket said the move will result in the annual removal of 33 million pieces of plastic from loaves of bread and doughnuts, as well as reducing the plastic used to pack breakfast pastries by more than 120 tonnes each year.
Tesco group quality director, Sarah Bradbury, said, “Many of our customers remember the days when bakeries used much less plastic and we want to go further and faster in removing plastic where alternatives are possible. We’re really pleased that we have been able to make this move across our in-store bakeries, as part of our plans to cut down on plastic without compromising on freshness and quality.”
Catherine David, director collaboration and change of WRAP, added, “It’s positive to hear of further moves by Tesco, a founding member of The UK Plastics Pact, to remove unnecessary packaging and tackle plastic waste. We must continue to go further, particularly to remove soft plastics like bags and wrappers which is too frequently used needlessly.
“Initiatives by Tesco such as the removal of pointless plastic around multi-packs, while ensuring that shoppers are not short-changed, is a win-win for its customers and the environment. Let’s keep this momentum going.”
