Tesco moved a step closer to creating a ‘closed loop’ of packaging after briefing suppliers to remove hard to recycle materials from their packaging.
The country’s largest supermarket reaffirmed its wish to build a national recycling infrastructure with the government, which could include recycling depots on their larger sites.
It aims to remove materials such as PVC, Polystyrene, Oxy-degradable materials, and replace them with recyclable materials for their sustainability strategy.
Speaking at the Institute of Grocery Distribution, chief product officer, Jason Tarry, said:“Weare committed toreducingthe total amount of packaging used across our business. Ideally we would like tomove to a closed loop system.
“We will work with our suppliers to redesign and reduce all packaging materials and after consultation with our leading suppliers earlier this year we will remove all packaging that is hard to recycle from our business by 2019.
“To complete the journey to a closed loop approach, westand ready to work withgovernment to reform thecurrentapproach to recycling in the UK.”
Tesco boss Dave Lewis also alluded to creating a closed packaging loop at the City Food Lecture in February this year.
As part of its plan, Tesco will also work to develop easy to understand packaging recycling communication and the amount of recycled materials it buys to help shoppers who want toreduce their packaging impact.
In October 2017 Tesco published its original packaging targets in itsLittle Helps Plan including plans to have all packaging will be fully recyclable or compostable, and to halve packaging weight, from a 2007 baseline.
