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Tesco has scrapped more than 1.5 billion pieces of plastic across the group following the launch of its 4Rs – Remove, Reduce, Re-use, Recycle – packaging strategy.
Over the last year, it said it has identified and removed 500 million more pieces of unnecessary plastic from the business in a bid to be more ecological.
The supermarket’s delivery service has removed more than 200 million plastic bags, for example, while 42 million plastic forks from prepared salads and rice bowls have been replaced by wooden alternatives.
It has also removed plastic wrapped tinned multipacks, totalling more than 75 million pieces a year, while 50 million pieces of plastic wrapping from cans of branded beers and ciders has also been scrapped.
Meanwhile, it ditched over 100 million additional lids from products including wipes, creams, yoghurts and desserts, and more than 50 million pieces of plastic from greeting cards.
Millions of plastic punnets from products such as peaches, plums and tomatoes have also been removed, and in addition, it has scrapped 14 million plastic chicken trays from whole chickens and 48 million own-brand plastic straws, which have been replaced with paper alternatives.
It said its 4Rs packaging strategy aims to “remove plastic where it can, reduce where it can’t, reuse more and recycle what’s left”.
It added that it “initiated action” by giving its suppliers a list of preferred materials that are easier to recycle, while stating it “reserves the right to no longer stock products in excessive packaging or hard to recycle materials”. It will reportedly help suppliers develop more sustainable packaging solutions where needed however.
Tesco quality director, Sarah Bradbury, 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. While we are proud of this achievement, we know we have more to do and our work to tackle the impact of plastic waste will continue in 2022 and beyond.”
