TESCO has said that it has removed more than two billion pieces of plastic since the launch of its 4Rs – remove, reduce, reuse, recycle – packaging strategy in 2019.
The supermarket said that the last 12 months have seen the removal of 500 million pieces of unnecessary plastic. This includes more than 30 million plastic yoghurt lids, 29 million pieces of plastic from limescale tablet packaging, 24 million plastic windows removed from doughnut packaging, and nine million pieces from nappy packaging.
Tesco responsible sourcing director, Kené Umeasiegbu, 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.”
Based on learnings from progress Tesco has made thus far, it has also published a new strategic report which details efforts needed by retailers, industry, and government to help transform the UK’s approach to packaging. Ideas include:
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Creating a level playing field when it comes to removing packaging in produce
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Supporting government efforts to introduce consistent kerbside recycling
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Ensuring a deposit return scheme is viable and sustainable
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Create industry moment on reusable packaging solutions
