Sainsbury’s to remove single-use plastic lids from own-brand ranges

Sainsbury’s will be removing single-use plastic lids from its own-brand product ranges, with dips set to be the next selection that will see the change.

From March 2023, household favourites such as guacamole, tzatziki and sour cream and chive dip will no longer be sold with single-use plastic lids.

The removal of the single-use plastic lids will save 71 million pieces of plastic each year in total, equating to 220 tonnes of plastic.

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For customers that prefer to use a lid on products at home, the big 4 grocer has launched reusable lids, available to purchase across all superstores in England, Scotland and Wales, as well as online for £1.25.

Shoppers will be able to find the lids in-store in the dairy aisle and can be used on own-brand pots. After each use, the silicone lids simply need to be washed by hand or in the dishwasher, before being reused.

Removing single-use plastic lids is just one of the ways the retailer is working towards its commitment to halve its use of own brand plastic packaging by 2025.

Since 2019 Sainsbury’s has removed single-use plastic lids from a wide range of products including cream, crème fraiche, custard, cottage cheese and sour cream.

Earlier this year, Sainsbury’s also removed single-use plastic lids from all own-brand yoghurt.

The retailer recently changed its entire coffee pods range from plastic to aluminium pods, allowing customers to recycle them at home and helping to save over 10 million pieces of plastic each year.

It also launched new double-length toilet rolls, reducing plastic packaging by 30% equating to 84 tonnes of plastic.

The news comes as Sainsbury’s is investing a further £50 million by March 2023 as it accelerates its value plan in a move designed to help customers manage the rising cost of living.