Sainsbury’s debuts recyclable packaging for own-brand mushrooms

Sainsbury’s has become the first retailer in the UK to replace its plastic packaging with cardboard for all its own-brand mushrooms.

The move marks the single biggest plastic removal across Sainsbury’s groceries so far and is due to save the retailer over 775 tonnes of plastic a year – equivalent to the weight of 43 full London double-decker buses.

The switch will be implemented to all of Sainsbury’s 13 own-brand mushroom lines, including bestsellers such as whole baby button, closed cup, organic and chestnut.

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The change to sustainable punnets, which will come into affect at the end of January, is designed to help customers recycle packaging more easily at home.

The film packaging that wrap the mushrooms can still be recycled at front-of-store flexible plastic recycling points.

Sainsbury’s director of product and innovation Claire Hughes said: “As part of our Plan for Better commitments, we are trying to reduce plastic packaging across our own brand ranges. We are delighted to introduce cardboard punnets for our own-brand mushrooms.

“Making a collective effort with suppliers to increasing recycled content and recyclability for all customers has helped achieve our biggest ever plastics removal so far. The initiative reflects our commitment towards a healthier and more sustainable future as we continue to look at ways to innovate our packaging and reduce and replace plastic where possible.”

Last year governmental environmental advisers Wrap proposed a ban on plastic packaging for fruit and veg in a bid to tackle the country’s growing plastic crisis.