Co-op removes plastic from its 2021 Christmas gifting range
Co-op has removed the plastic film from around the rolls of Christmas wrap as it continues its commitment to remove unnecessary plastic from its packaging and products.
The full gifting range, which also includes crackers, cards and accessories, is also 100% recyclable. In addition, ribbons have been changed to a cellulose based plastic free material while bag handles and cracker contents have been changed to paper or a more sustainable option.
Co-op has also developed new packaging for its premium Irresistible Chocolate box range, which has had all plastic packaging removed, and now features a new cardboard tray.
Simon Robinson, product developer at Co-op , said “Last year we made great strides to reduce our use of plastic in our Christmas range, and this year we have gone above and beyond, with plans to launch the most sustainable gifting range in 2022. We’re looking forward to a Christmas that will hopefully be a little more normal and the gift of giving will be back in full swing.”
This year, Co-op has installed recycling units for ‘soft’ plastics in over 1,500 stores and is aiming to have the units in 2,300 stores by November. The initiative ensures all Co-op’s own food packing is easily recyclable by establishing an accessible disposal route for materials which are unlikely to be collected by UK councils. Items that can be disposed of in the units include crisp packets, bread bags, single-use carrier bags and bags-for-life, lids from ready meals and yogurt pots, biscuit wrappers and pet-food pouches.
