Tesco has unveiled new ‘pillow packs’ for fresh mince, cutting plastic usage by 70%.
- The new packaging will initially be used for 500g beef lean steak mince with 5% and 20% fat.
- Unlike competitors’ vacuum-packed options, these ‘pillow’ packs prevent compression of the meat.
- The packs are smaller, reducing the need for transport and increasing shelf availability.
- This initiative is part of Tesco’s broader effort to minimize environmental impact through plastic reduction.
In a bold move to combat plastic waste, Tesco is replacing its traditional tray wrap packaging for fresh mince with new ‘pillow packs’, dramatically reducing plastic usage by 70%. This significant environmental effort will initially apply to the retailer’s 500g beef lean steak mince varieties, available with 5% and 20% fat content. Should this initiative resonate with customers, Tesco plans to expand the range to include other product lines.
These ‘pillow packs’ stand out from other supermarkets’ vacuum-packed options, such as those found at Lidl, Co-op, and Sainsbury’s, because they prevent the mince from being compressed. This slight inflation in the packaging design ensures that the quality and texture of the meat remain intact.
The innovative design of these packs, being smaller than the traditional versions, allows Tesco to optimize logistics and shelf stocking. This change means fewer lorries are necessary for transportation, and more products can be displayed in store, thus enhancing availability for consumers.
Moreover, the new packaging is fully recyclable, aligning with Tesco’s sustainability goals. Customers can easily recycle these packs by depositing them in designated soft plastic recycling units located at the front of stores.
This launch aligns with Tesco’s 4Rs strategy, focusing on removing, reducing, reusing, and recycling plastic. Since the strategy’s inception, Tesco has successfully eliminated approximately 2.2 billion pieces of plastic from its UK operations. Innovations have included the removal of plastic bags from deliveries and unnecessary lids from products, among other significant measures.
Dom Morrey, Tesco’s commercial director for fresh produce, emphasized the importance of reducing plastic for environmental benefits. Morrey stated, “Removing or reducing unnecessary plastic is an important way that Tesco can reduce its environmental impact. We’re proud of what we have done so far but continue to look for ways to do more.”
Tesco’s introduction of ‘pillow packs’ is a forward-thinking initiative that underscores its commitment to environmental sustainability while maintaining product quality.
