Tesco is ditching its plastic laundry pod tubs in favour of recyclable cardboard packs in an effort to cut down on plastic waste.
The box contains more than 90% recycled cardboard, and is FSC certified, with a thin plastic liner inside to protect the pods. When empty, the cardboard box can be put in the normal household recycle bin.
The move into cardboard packs will save 252 tonnes of plastic annually, and over four million pieces of plastic across eight lines.
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Over 24 million people in the UK regularly buy laundry products, with more than 38% already opting for pods – compared to 28% choosing powder detergent and 34% preferring liquid or gel.
The UK’s largest retailer is also launching bigger packs of pods that offer better value for families.
The newly packaged range will consist of three products, bio, non-bio and scented, priced at £5.50 for 40 washes.
Since the launch of the 4Rs strategy in August 2019, Tesco has removed 1.8bn pieces of plastic and reduced packaging by more than 10,000 tonnes.
Fruit juices, crisps, cheese, tea bags and bakery lines are among many products that are all now being produced using less plastic.
“Customers are focused on getting great value right now, but we know that they still want to choose products that use less or no plastic in their packaging,” Tesco group quality director, Sarah Bradbury said.
She added: “This is one of many changes we’re making to reduce unnecessary plastic from products right across our stores.”
It comes as Tesco will be using plastic waste collected from coastal areas in its fresh fish packaging, preventing as much as 500 tonnes of discarded plastic from entering the oceans.
