Waitrose has switched all of its own-label Essential Waitrose handwashes to fully recyclable packaging.
In a move it claims is in response to direct feedback from customers who said they wanted products that were “easier to recycle”, Waitrose has switched the pump on its bottles from a mixed material to single plastic.
It means the entire bottle can now be recycled at the kerbside, rather than having to be separated. It would save an estimated 75,787 pieces of packaging, equivalent to 0.985 tonnes of packaging waste, from ending up in landfill each year, Waitrose said.
Waitrose will roll out the change to five of its handwash products from 25 May.
The products are: Waitrose Essentials Anti-Bac Hand Wash (200ml and 500ml), Chamomile Hand Wash, Anti-Bac Aloe Vera Hand Wash and Sensitive Hand Wash, each in 250ml.
“We’ve listened to our customers’ feedback and we’re pleased to make recycling our Essential Waitrose handwash more convenient than ever,” said Denise Mathieson, Waitrose head of packaging design & programme delivery.
“The change reflects our commitment to improving the recyclability of our packaging, and offers a tangible way to incorporate more sustainable practices into daily routines and baskets.”
In a further step, Waitrose has also rolled out 500ml refill pouches for its handwash range.
The packaging switch is the latest from Waitrose following the launch of a new ‘circular’ recycling scheme for its own-label curry trays in August last year.
In October, it also began trialling a new cork recycling scheme, which allows shoppers to return their used wine corks to in-store collection points for recycling.
Waitrose is working to improve its understanding of exactly how much single packaging it recycles, versus how much ends up in landfill. In April, it partnered with Polytag’s Ecotrace programme, which will allow it to track where its packaging ends up.
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