Big changes in packaging of chicken and fish aimed at reducing waste

Sainsbury’s is making significant changes in its stores in an effort to reduce waste and become more environmentally friendly. One of the major changes includes the introduction of pulp trays for some fish items, a first for supermarkets. These trays will be used for all salmon and trout products, reducing plastic usage by 70 percent and making them easy to recycle at home. Additionally, plastic trays for fresh breaded chicken and Taste the Difference breaded fish will be replaced with cardboard ones.

The initiative is expected to save 646 tonnes of plastic annually, with a further 48 tonnes reduced by changing the packaging for the Taste the Difference breaded fish fillets. These changes will be rolled out across all Sainsbury’s stores in the coming months, appearing on popular summer staples like finger foods and the BBQ range. Claire Hughes, Director of product and innovation at Sainsbury’s, emphasized the importance of reducing plastic waste and working towards sustainable goals.

Furthermore, Sainsbury’s will now feature a ‘Good to Know’ logo on items that are more sustainable, helping customers easily identify products with reduced plastic packaging. The supermarket has also made other sustainable moves, such as using cardboard punnets for own brand mushrooms and replacing plastic steak trays with cardboard alternatives.

It’s not just Sainsbury’s that is prioritizing sustainability in the UK. Aldi has launched its own brand paper gin bottle, which is easier to transport, recyclable, and five times lighter than a standard glass bottle. The gin, made from 94 percent recycled paperboard and lined with a food-grade pouch, is now available for purchase. These changes mark a significant step towards reducing plastic waste and promoting a more eco-friendly approach in the retail sector.