UK retailer The Co-op has announced that its members have voted in favour of making 80% of its packaging easy to recycle by 2020.
The plan, announced at the company's AGM, is an initial foothold in the retailer's ultimate target of achieving 100% easy-to-recycle packaging.
It also vowed to do better business in tackling modern slavery in the UK, and committed further to British produce.
It said that its members will seek to raise awareness and campaign for greater support for victims of modern slavery in the UK, and that it will be extending its ‘Bright Future’ partnership with City Hearts to other organisations which support victims.
Sourcing Local
In terms of British produce, the Co-op announced it would source £2.5 billion worth of UK farm products over the next three years. It recently announced that it was the first national retailer to sell only British meat.
It also said it will be extending its buying season for British fruit and vegetables, as well as adding new British flower varieties and give growers long-term contracts.
Allan Leighton, Chair of the Co-op, said, “The commitments we’ve made today to help fight modern slavery, cut packaging waste and back British suppliers are what the Co-op is all about.
“Working closely with our members, colleagues and communities I am confident that we can continue to champion a better way of doing business.”
© 2017 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Aidan O’Sullivan. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
