UK retailer Asda has announced that it has switched to 100% recyclable cardboard trays for its entire steak range.
The initiative will allow the retailer to remove more than 23 million black plastic trays, each year, across its Extra Special, Butchers Selection and Farm Stores lines.
It will result in an annual reduction of 700 tonnes of plastic from its operations, which is equivalent to the weight of six blue whales.
The products in the new packaging will be rolled out online and in stores on 14 December, the retailer added.
'The Next Step'
Asda’s senior buyer for red meat and fish, Paul Geary, said, “We are passionate about delivering our commitment to customers to use less and recycle more and this move marks the next step in our journey as we strive to make all of our own-brand packaging 100% recyclable by 2025.
“There is still some confusion around packaging and what can or can’t be recycled and by moving our entire range of steaks to recyclable cardboard trays, it means our customers don’t have to choose between living sustainably and purchasing quality, great value steaks".
Eco-Friendly Packaging
In September of this year, the retailer introduced the eco-friendly packaging in its extra special Aberdeen Angus steak range.
The initiative received a positive response from customers, which prompted the retailer to introduce the packaging in all private-label steak brands.
Earlier this year, Asda pledged to incorporate 30% recycled content in its plastic packaging by the end of 2020, and 15% overall reduction in plastic by February 2021.
© 2019 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Dayeeta Das. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
