Tesco will get shoppers shedding packaging
Tesco is to run a six-week “take-back” scheme in a bid to get customers to discard unwanted packaging.
The supermarket chain, which has more than 3,500 recycling and reducing packaging projects, will encourage shoppers to leave unneeded packaging at the checkout for recycling.
Tesco has already reduced what it regards as “wasteful” packaging, like bulky dog food bags and unnecessary plastic wrapping on food and a regional trial will now try to discover which kinds of packaging consumers are willing to shed.
Common customer complaints include the excessive cardboard, plastic and foil used with Easter eggs, the unnecessary boxes accompanying toothpaste, and the trays and plastic film that supposedly “protect” fruit.
However Tesco have emphasised that where labelling was essential – for instance in warning of products containing nuts – packaging might still be necessary.
The trial runs from today, at Tesco stores in Guildford, Surrey, and Ilminster, Somerset. The company has stressed that the arrangements were temporary to gain consumer feedback.
Alasdair James, Tesco’s head of energy, waste and recycling, said: “We know our customers expect us to help them recycle easily and we have also committed ourselves to cutting our own waste. This unique pilot helps us do both. Packaging left by customers at the store will tell us a lot about areas we may need to look at again, as well as where we have got it right.”
A large chunk of retail packaging ends up in landfill space, taking a long time to decompose. At this point the waste can give off harmful gases and toxins, which pollute the air and water.
Tesco said it was now diverting 87% of its waste from its store network away from landfill, with the hope of reaching its target of 95% by the end of the year.
Lucy Neville-Rolfe, Tesco executive director for corporate and legal affairs, said: “Tesco is committed to tackling environmental and climate change and we are always working hard to play a positive role and make it easier for our customers to do the same.”
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