Tesco has introduced eco-friendly packaging for its own-label tea.

The retailer, which recently secured Rainforest Alliance certification for the Tesco Original Tea range, will start using foil-fresh pouches that are 92% lighter than cartons for its 40-bag tea packs in the coming weeks.

Tesco said the packaging would help reduce the carbon footprint of the product and would allow it to fit more packs on shelf. “We believe this will be a game-changer in the tea market,” said Tesco technologist Sarah MacKereth.

Eco-friendly packs are used by coffee brands including Nescafé and Kenco, and were introduced to the tea market by Typhoo in 2011.