Co-op switches to new sustainable packaging for three own-brand lines

Co-op is to remove 115 tonnes of plastic annually from its own-brand range with three new sustainable packaging solutions across bakery, produce and protein.

The transitions would see an “industry-first move” for mini bakery cake lines, a relaunch of steak packaging and the switch up to cardboard punnets for its premium British tomatoes, said the convenience retailer.

Its new mini bite bakery ranges will switch from traditional plastic tubs to a bag-in-a-box format. This change would result in an 87% reduction in plastic usage, which will save 18 tonnes of plastic annually, it said.

Co-op’s Irresistible British steak range of three premium cuts will now be presented in a new fibre-based composite packaging, generating a total saving of 20 tonnes of plastic.

Moreover, the switch from plastic punnets to solid board punnets for its own-brand premium tomato lines - which include two variants - will avoid 77 tonnes of plastic each year.

The initiative not only aims to reduce plastic in the supply chain, but also hopes to make recycling easier for shoppers as the new formats can be recycled curbside along with paper, added Co-op.

Since 2018, the retailer has removed almost 5,000 tonnes of plastic from its own brand packaging.

Last year alone, it made similar sustainable moves across several popular lines and saved more than 420 tonnes of plastic, from rolling out paper banana bands to removing plastic lids from houmous pots.

“Co-op is committed to making a difference to the lives of our members and the world in which they live. These new packaging developments will have a substantial impact across our operations, eliminating millions of pieces of plastic and importantly simplifying home recycling for our members and customers,” said Heather Thomas, group property and sustainability director at Co-op.

“The past year has continued to bring ongoing climate and environment crises in the UK and beyond, and we all must do more - Co-op is focused on working with suppliers and, within its own operations, to continue to reduce its plastic and carbon footprint.”