With retailers continuing to introduce measures to cut plastic use, UK's Waitrose & Partners has announced that customers can now bring reusable containers with lids for fish and meat purchased from its fresh-service counters.
Head of CSR, health, and agriculture at Waitrose & Partners, Tor Harris, said, "Our long term aim is to remove bags completely from our counters or find a suitable alternative for meat and fish in the same way we have with compostable fruit and vegetable bags, which will be introduced this year.
"We haven’t as yet found that option and know we can’t remove them overnight, as there are food safety considerations when handling raw meat and fish, and buying food from the counters has become part of many customers' regular shop."
Plastics Strategy
The move is a part of the retailer's packaging and plastic reduction strategy.
Last year, Waitrose & Partners eliminated disposable cups for coffee and tea from its stores.
It has also committed to replacing loose fruit and vegetable plastic bags with a home compostable alternative, and plans to discontinue the sale of 5p single-use carrier bags by the spring of this year.
© 2019 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Dayeeta Das. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: European Supermarket Magazine.
