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Co-op has overhauled its food-to-go range, introducing several new products and reducing plastic packaging to be more environmentally friendly.

The retailer said it would be reducing the amount of packaging across its range significantly, removing all single-use plastic cutlery and replacing it with wooden sporks.

Overall, Co-op said it would remove 274 tonnes of unnecessary plastic, cardboard and film from its stores as a result of the overhaul.

“We’re really pleased that we’ve managed to remove a significant amount of plastic, cardboard and film on our food-to-go products, which will reduce the amount of packaging in our stores by over 270 tonnes,” said packaging manager Robert Thompson.

“Our teams have worked hard to deliver what is a really positive step forward for packaging, delivering the same fantastic sandwiches and salads as sustainably as possible.”

The company is adding a wide range of sustainably sourced sushi, as well as introducing new sandwiches, salads and wraps as part of the overhaul.

Additionally, Co-op said the new range would see a reduction in meat options in an effort to be more sustainable. The range will also  include eight additional vegan and vegetarian products alongside the increased range of sushi.

Product development manager Sam Griffiths said: “We’ve added a wide range of products to our food-to-go section this summer, perfect for all types of lunches. Influenced by traditional rolls from Japan, we’re particularly excited about our new the range of sushi.

“We’ve also seen a huge rise in demand for sushi, most likely driven by lockdown as consumers couldn’t easily make it for themselves at home. The new range now offers a huge variety to both our customers and members, that they are able to pick up on the go.”