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ACS calls for DRS clarity in Scottish Parliament evidence session
The Association of Convenience Stores has called on the Scottish government to ensure the proposed Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) is “workable” for local shops, while giving evidence to the Scottish Parliament.
Retailers challenge suppliers to devise plastic-free packaging
The Co-op Group has challenged suppliers in the food to go category to work with the retailer to devise new forms of packaging allowing shoppers to eat on the go without utilising single-use plastic.
Industry makes “good progress” in helping households cut food waste
UK supermarkets and major food brands have made “good progress” in helping households cut food waste, with a quarter of all pre-packed fresh produce now carrying no date label, in line with latest guidance.
Scotmid Co-operative opens first refill station at Stockbridge store
Scotmid Co-operative is trialling its first-ever refill station at its Stockbridge store in Edinburgh.
Asda to trial the sale of goods in refillable containers
Asda is to trial the sale of a range of products in refillable containers as part of a wider move to avoid the use of approximately 19,500 tonnes of ‘virgin’ plastic by the end of 2020.
Manufacturers urged to act on plastic-free revolution
The UK’s big brand manufacturers must to step up their efforts to reduce packaging waste and join the plastic-free revolution, retailers claim.
Scottish stores will not face business rates hikes on Reverse Vending Machines
Scottish store owners who install reverse vending machines (RVMs) under the impending Deposit Return Scheme will not face a hike in business rates, first minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced.
Thornton’s Budgens urges manufacturer support after adding 200 unpackaged lines
North London retailer Andrew Thornton has renewed calls for major manufacturers to “get on board” his plastic-free revolution after unveiling an ‘unpackaged’ range of 200 products in his Thornton’s Budgens store.
ACS launches key retailer advice on offering water refills in store
Retailers considering the installation of a water refill service for customers can now access new ACS Assured Advice on how best to do so.
Scotland announces plans for ‘latte levy’ on single use drinks cups
The Scottish government has announced plans to introduce a so-called ‘latte levy’ on single use drinks cups.
Manual DRS trial highlights serious glass challenges for c-stores
The Scottish government is being urged to remove glass from its Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) after a convenience store trial revealed serious challenges and health and safety hazards for staff.
Customers show support for ethical c-store over olive oil blunder
Independent ethical retailer Hisbe has been “blown away” by the support of its local customers after it was reprimanded by the authorities for unwittingly breaking the law and selling extra virgin olive oil on tap.
Simply Fresh unveils ‘unpacked’ design to encourage plastic reduction
Simply Fresh has launched an initiative that aims to remove all packaging from the front of its stores.
Government urged to back new ‘Recycled Plastic Rating’ trust mark
The government is being urged to enforce a new ‘Recycled Plastic Rating’ (RPR) trust mark on all packaging to give consumers more clarity about the plastic content of products.
Scottish store owners mull over Deposit Return Scheme proposals
Scottish c-store retailers are deliberating how they can participate in the country’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), as proposed legislation was laid before parliament last week.
Scottish retailers can apply for Deposit Return Scheme exemption
Scottish retailers will be able to apply for an exemption from collecting empty drinks packaging under the country’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), according to the proposed regulations laid before the Scottish Parliament yesterday.
Brighton store Hisbe adds tea dispensers to plastic-free offer
Ethical Brighton supermarket Hisbe has added tea to the fast-growing range of products it sells loose from dispensers.
Iceland reveals “extremely positive” RVM trial results
Iceland has recycled more than one million plastic bottles since the start of its Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) trials in five stores last May.
Scottish retailer fits new ‘all in’ reverse vending machine
Convenience retailer Mo Razzaq has installed a new reverse vending machine (RVM) which accepts glass, as-well as PET plastic bottles and drinks cans, in his Family Shopper store in Blantyre, Scotland.
Co-op calls on councils to sharpen focus on food waste reduction
The Co-op is calling on English local authorities to speed up the rollout of food waste collections from homes and to permit the use of compostable carrier bags as food waste bin liners, a move which it says would help it produce 60 million fewer plastic bags.
Scottish retailer rolls out local glass-bottled milk to second store
An independent retailer in Scotland has extended the sale of locally-produced glass-bottled milk - including a deposit return scheme - to her second Day Today store.
Supermarkets in England report sharp decline in plastic bag sales
Year-on-year sales of plastic bags by the seven biggest supermarket groups in England fell by almost 50% in the 12 months to April, according to Defra.
Defra announces next steps for DRS system in England and Wales
The government has confirmed it will consult on a proposed model for a Deposit Return Scheme for drinks containers in England and Wales in 2020, ahead of implementation by 2023.
Spar retailer set to introduce free water refill station
A Somerset-based Spar retailer is poised to introduce a free water refill station in store in a move he described as “inevitable”.
Environment secretary backs “all in” Deposit Return Scheme
Environment secretary Michael Gove has backed a comprehensive Deposit Return Scheme for drinks containers.
Evolution Foods ditches plastic across natural snack range
Evolution Foods, the dried fruit, nuts and seeds producer, has launched a snacking range made with 100% plastic-free packaging.
Cif offers shoppers refill option in eco-friendly move
Unilever is moving its Cif brand into new territory with an eco refill range, which allows consumers to re-use their trigger spray cleaning bottles
Economic benefits of DRS highlighted as questions remain unanswered
An all-encompassing Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) would be eight times more beneficial to the UK economy than a more restricted ‘on the go’ system, government analysis has revealed – but questions over the in-store practicalities of a DRS remain unanswered.
Public urged to ditch plastic on National Refill Day
The UK public are being encouraged to put their words in to action on National Refill Day today (Wednesday), as a new poll published to mark the occasion revealed that three-quarters of respondents think single-use plastic should be socially unacceptable.