UK retailer Asda has introduced new packaging across its entire chicken range, which it says will remove 450 tonnes of plastic from its operations annually.
The initiative will see the retailer move its chicken assortment out of plastic trays and into the new pouches and reduce plastic packaging by up to 50% across the range.
The rollout follows a successful trial last year on mini-fillets and diced breasts.
The initiative aligns with Asda’s ongoing commitment to ‘use less and recycle more’, the retailer added.
'The Next Step'
Lisa Barratt, poultry buying manager at Asda, said, “The change in poultry packaging marks the next step in our commitment to use less and recycle more, something which we are very passionate about delivering for our customers and colleagues.
“The move means customers don’t have to prioritise plastic reduction over grocery decision making, ensuring the nation can continue purchasing quality poultry at the same price.”
Initially, customers will see the new packaging for chicken thighs, and by the middle of summer, the full range, including whole birds, drumsticks, legs, diced breasts, and mini fillets, will switch to the new packaging.
'Plastic Pollution'
The move is expected to make a considerable difference in tackling plastic pollution as one in two households in Britain purchase chicken in the weekly shop, Asda added, citing data from Kantar.
The pouches are also hygienic as consumers can pour the poultry from the pack into the pan without having to pick it up with their hands or utensils.
Asda has pledged to remove single-use plastic from its operations and has implemented several measures to achieve its goals.
The supermarket has already removed 9,000 tonnes of plastic since 2018 and will remove 3 billion pieces of plastic from its own-brand products by 2025.
© 2021 European Supermarket Magazine. Article by Dayeeta Das. For more Packaging news, click here. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: European Supermarket Magazine.
