German retailer REWE Group has announced it is testing recycled paper packaging for its basil herb pots in association with ECF Farmsystems.
The new packaging turns into a set of pots, when cut along the printed cutting lines, thereby replacing the plastic sleeve and pot in the old version.
The move will help the retailer to reduce around 7.2 tonnes of plastic annually from its operations.
Presently, the retailer is testing the new packaging in 280 REWE stores in Berlin, Brandenburg and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
Other Projects
In 2017, REWE and ECF Farmsystems collaborated to develop environmentally friendly processes for producing perch and basil through aquaponics.
The association also resulted in the elimination of plastic irrigation bowls for transport packaging, allowing the company to cut six tonnes of plastic waste annually.
REWE implemented the solution in other products across the country and reduced 90 tonnes of plastic per year in potted herbs alone.
© 2020 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Dayeeta Das. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: European Supermarket Magazine.
