UK: Tesco packaging overhaul promises to eliminate “hard to recycle” material

23 Aug 2019 --- UK retail giant Tesco is promising to eliminate “hard to recycle material” as it launches phase two of its “Remove, Reduce, Reuse & Recycle” plan to suppliers. This sets out steps that will govern packaging design across all product categories including removing all non-recyclable material. The supermarket says where it can’t remove packaging, it will reduce it to an absolute minimum, including excess packaging, and explore new opportunities to reuse it. And, if this isn’t possible, then Tesco will ensure materials are recycled as part of a closed-loop.

Since announcing its ambition in 2018 to remove hard-to-recycle materials, Tesco will have eliminated the hardest to recycle materials from own-brand products by the end of 2019, by removing over 4,000 tons of materials from 8,000 lines. The company is now working with branded suppliers to do the same, it says.

“In the first quarter of 2018 we audited all packaging materials in our business and set ourselves a challenge to remove all hard to recycle material by 2019; we’re on track for Tesco own brand and we’re working with branded suppliers to deliver the same,” says Dave Lewis, Tesco Group CEO.

“Now we’re taking the next step and tackling excess packaging. From next year, we will assess packaging as part of our ranging decisions, and if it’s excessive or inappropriate, we reserve the right not to list it. Through the lens of Remove, Reduce, Reuse & Recycle we can transform our approach to packaging.”

At four meetings with more than 1,500 suppliers, Tesco set out its vision for the next stage of its packaging agenda. Tesco also briefed suppliers that from next year, the size and suitability of packaging will be assessed as part of category reviews and ranging decisions.

Information shared at the supplier meetings included a case study from a branded crisp manufacturer showing the benefits of tackling excess packaging. By reducing the size of packaging on multi-buy crisps by 23 percent, the manufacturer delivered a reduction of 5,000 tons in packaging weight and 50,000 fewer road miles as pallets were packed more efficiently, reducing the number of lorry journeys.

Tesco also reiterated its call for the government to introduce a national collection and recycling infrastructure to deliver a closed-loop for packaging.

“Without a national infrastructure, industry efforts to improve the recyclability of materials used in packaging will be a drop in the ocean. In January 2018, we called on the Government to introduce this infrastructure and offered to help, including giving space in our car parks for recycling and testing the collection of materials not currently recycled by local councils. That invitation stands and the need for action has never been more pressing,” adds Lewis. 

Tesco has been tracking the materials used in its packaging for many years and has achieved a 31 percent reduction in packaging weight per unit sold since 2007.

Last year, Tesco published a preferred materials list which categorized materials as “red, amber or green” based on how easily recycled they are and committed to removing the hardest to recycle materials – “reds” – from Tesco brand packaging by the end of this year. 

Tesco has also committed to publishing an update on the “amber” list in January which could see more materials removed from the business unless new ways of recycling are proven effective. Last year the supermarket also set out three strategic priorities to help reduce packaging waste and boost recycling across the UK. 

Edited by Gaynor Selby