Tesco is swapping out its traditional tray wrap packs of fresh mince for new ‘pillow packs’ that use 70% less plastic.
The change will roll out across the leading retailer’s 500g beef lean steak mince 5% fat and 20% fat, with the potential for the packs to be added to more lines if they are a success among customers.
Unlike the vacuum-packed beef that has rolled out in supermarkets such as Lidl, Co-op and Sainsbury’s, the slightly inflated ‘pillow’ prevents the mince from being compressed.
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The new packs contain the same amount of mince as the previous ones, however, as they are smaller in size, fewer lorries are needed to transport them and more can be added to store shelves, increasing availability.
The new packaging is also recyclable and can be put into front of store recycling units with other soft plastic.
Tesco commercial director for fresh, Dom Morrey, said: “As well as looking for great value when they shop, customers want to see less plastic packaging in their trolleys. Pillow packs are a win-win: they keep the mince in perfect condition while requiring much less plastic.”
This comes as part of the supermarket’s 4Rs packaging strategy to remove plastic where it can, reduce it where it can’t, reuse more and recycle what’s left.
To date, Tesco has removed around 2.2bn pieces of plastic from its UK business across bags from deliveries, extra lids from products such as wipes, creams, yoghurts and desserts, and plastic wrapping from cans of branded beers and ciders.
Morrey added: “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.”
