Tesco removes two billion pieces of plastic from UK business
Tesco has now removed more than two billion pieces of plastic from its UK business since the launch of its 4Rs – Remove, Reduce, Re-use, Recycle – packaging strategy in 2019.
In the last 12 months alone, 500 million pieces of unnecessary plastic have been identified and removed.
According to the supermarket giant, the most recent annual savings include:
-
More than 30 million plastic yoghurt lids removed
-
Over 29 million pieces of plastic removed from limescale tablets packaging
-
Nearly 24 million plastic windows removed from doughnut packaging
-
Nearly 9 million pieces removed from nappy packaging
Tesco Responsible Sourcing Director Kené Umeasiegbu said: “We all have a responsibility to take care of our planet and removing unnecessary plastic is an important way that Tesco can reduce its environmental impact. As well as taking action in our own operations, we want to work with the whole industry to continue to build on the progress we’ve made to Remove, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle more.”
According to the retailer, they will be sharing their learnings from progress made so far. Tesco have said they will publish a major new strategic report, detailing efforts needed by retailers, industry and government to help transform the UK’s approach to packaging. Ideas include creating a level playing field when it comes to removing packaging in produce and supporting government efforts to introduce consistent kerbside recycling.
