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Source: The Co-operative Group

The New Horizon peat-free compost will be rolled out to more than 1,100 Co-op food stores and forecourts

The Co-op has banned sales of peat-based compost.

The convenience retailer has begun stocking a new peat-free alternative from compost supplier Westland.

The supplier has invested £35m in developing its New Horizon peat-free compost which is being rolled out to more than 1,100 Co-op food stores and forecourts from this week.

The range includes include peat-free tomato planters, and peat-free compost in 20-litre and 50-litre pack sizes.

The ban forms part of the retailer’s environmental commitments to combat the climate crisis, which saw Co-op halve its GHG emissions in the 10 years from 2006.

It aims to reduce emissions from running its business by a further 50% by 2025.

The retailer has also introduced measures including sourcing only 100% renewable electricity for all Co-op stores, offices and funeral homes.

“It’s great to see the Co-op removing peat from all the composts it sells and leading the way to better gardening,” said RSPB head of corporate partnerships Nicky O’Malley.

“Peatlands are special places for plants and birds and need this kind of protection from exploitation. We look forward to continuing to support Co-op with their ambitious environmental commitments to combat the climate and biodiversity crises.”

Co-op buyer for home & leisure Martin Spencer said: “We want to make it easier for our members and customers to make small changes in their everyday lives which, together, add up to making a big difference to our environment.

“We are committed to reducing the environmental impact of our products and services, and looking for new and collaborative ways of working together with others to achieve those aims if we are to have a healthy, sustainable natural environment to pass on to future generations.”