Tesco has announced it is partnering with 15 of its major suppliers to decrease the number of trucks on the road this Christmas.

The Big 4 grocer’s road traffic control’ team has reviewed which suppliers deliver to the same locations, and has now been able to consolidate and streamline the routes suppliers use when delivering to distribution centres.

As a result, favourites such as trifle, parsnips, broccoli and carrots are all being moved together by combining load, the supermarket giant claims it can “stop trucks criss-crossing the country” as products make their way onto shelves.

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According to the grocer, the process allows products to neatly fit into spaces on a truck by filling in the gaps.

As a result, the move will save over 400,000 truck miles per year, equating to 17 trips around the world. The change has taken more than 3,400 trucks off the road so far, leading to a saving of over 450 tonnes of CO2.

“By working closely with our suppliers and joining them up to use each other’s transport routes, we’re delighted to have delivered savings in emissions and costs for suppliers,” Tesco head of supplier ordering Trudy Wilson said.

“The ‘Tetris’-style project helps us use as much space as possible in our trucks over the Christmas period, making the most of every journey and helping to keep trucks off the road at a busy time of year.

“We have exciting plans for the year ahead and are hoping to expand the project with more suppliers coming on board.”