Sainsbury’s is the latest supermarket to try to improve its green credentials with the launch of compostable packaging on 500 own-label products.
Following a successful trial using the packaging for parts of its organic range, it will be used on half of its organics this week and around 80 per cent of the category in January next year.
The move could see Sainsbury’s save around 3,550 tonnes of plastic each year.
Chief executive Justin King told the BBC: “We’re now confident that putting 500 types of our food, from ready meals to organics, in compostable packaging will significantly help to reduce the packaging that most threatens the environment.
“It also creates an opportunity for customers to dispose of their own waste at home.”
A Friend’s of the Earth spokesman said: “The supermarket chain must also take urgent action to reduce the impact that its operations have on the environment and farming communities.
“Today’s announcement is a step in the right direction, but it has a long way to go before it can be viewed as a green grocer.”
