Italian supermarket chain Conad has pledged to progressively eliminate plastic packaging from its private-label products.
Chief executive Francesco Avanzini told La Repubblica that the process has already been initiated, and suppliers have been asked to reduce plastics from packaging materials.
However, Avanzini added, "this does not mean that Conad demonises plastic, which plays a strategic role in the reusable packaging sector, but wants to be more competitive on the subject of the carbon footprint."
Elimination Timeline
Conad plans to eliminate plastics within two years, starting with disposable items such as cutlery, glasses, plates, and straws.
It will be followed by packaging materials for products such as trays, bags, cases, and secondary packaging like films and adhesives.
Stepping-Up Efforts
He pointed out that Conad will have to accelerate its efforts to keep up with Northern European countries like the UK and the Netherlands, where there is "a greater sensitivity" towards eliminating plastics.
Asked about the main challenges in the retail world, Avanzini said that, in the past, the power was in the hands of the retail and distribution sector, but now it is the consumer who commands.
Technology has empowered consumers to decide "what, how and when to buy”, he explained.
© 2019 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Branislav Pekic. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
