Co-op is set to eliminate 115 tonnes of plastic annually from its own-brand ranges with three new sustainable packaging solutions.
Rolling out across bakery, fresh produce and protein, the changes include an industry-first move for mini bakery cake lines, a relaunch of steak packaging and the transition to cardboard punnets for the convenience retailer’s premium British tomatoes.
Co-op’s new mini bite bakery ranges will switch from traditional plastic tubs to a bag-in-box format. This will result in an 87% reduction in plastic usage, saving 18 tonnes of plastic annually.
The retailer’s Irresistible British steak range of three premium cuts will now be presented in new fibre-based composite packaging, generating a total saving of 20 tonnes of plastic per year.
Co-op is also switching from plastic punnets to solid board punnets for its own-brand premium tomato lines, which include two variants, and will avoid 77 tonnes of plastic each year.
Each of the new packaging formats can be recycled kerbside along with paper to facilitate easier recycling for shoppers at home.
With these changes, the Co-op has removed almost 5,000 tonnes of plastic from its own-brand packaging since 2018.
Last year alone, the convenience chain moved several lines to alternative packaging, saving more than 40 tonnes of plastic. These changes included the introduction of paper banana bands across all banana lines and the removal of plastic lids from houmous pots.
“These new packaging developments will have a substantial impact across our operations, eliminating millions of pieces of plastic and importantly simplifying home recycling for our members and customers,” said Co-op group property and sustainability director Heather Thomas.
“The past year has continued to bring ongoing climate and environment crises in the UK and beyond, and we all must do more – Co-op is focused on working with suppliers and, within its own operations, to continue to reduce its plastic and carbon footprint.”
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