Yorkshire Provender is rolling out new ‘pouch-in-carton’ packaging.

Going into 48 Waitrose next month, the packs comprise a cardboard carton with a cut-out exposing a corner of the pouch, which must be cut off before the soup is heated in a microwave.

The company said the new format used 80% less plastic than its traditional pots, and five cartons took up the same space as three pots.

The pots will still be available in other stores.