Co-op introduces sustainable packaging across own-brand foods

UK – Co-op is updating packaging formats across three of its own-brand product ranges, aiming to remove 115 metric tons of plastic annually and facilitate home recycling.

These changes, which are the market solution for its mini bakery cakes, steaks, and tomatoes, bring a ray of hope for a greener future.

The update aims to replace conventional plastic tubs used for its mini bite range with a new bag-in-box format.

Co-op expects to save around 18 tonnes of plastic each year as this packaging innovation reduces plastic use by 87%.

The sustainable packaging introduced replaces plastic packaging with fibre-based composite trays.

In this relaunch, the retailer has reintroduced streak packaging for its premium British produce, making it irresistible.

Heather Thomas, group property and sustainability director at Co-op, says, “Co-op is committed to making a difference to the lives of our members and the world in which they live. These new packaging developments will have a substantial impact across our operations, eliminating millions of pieces of plastic and, importantly, simplifying home recycling for our members and customers.”

“The past year has continued to bring ongoing climate and environment crises in the UK and beyond, and we all must do more — Co-op is focused on working with suppliers and, within its own operations, to continue to reduce its plastic and carbon footprint.”

The update aims to reduce plastic consumption by an additional 20 tonnes annually, specifically for three premium steak cuts.

Furthermore, Co-op is changing its premium own-brand tomatoes into recyclable solid board punnets, moving away from conventional plastic containers.  This means 77 tonnes of plastic will be removed from circulation each year.

Kerbside collection will be used to help customers more easily recycle packaging at home, empowering them to be part of the solution as the newly introduced materials are designed to be recyclable.

Co-op has introduced soft plastic recycling units into communities across the UK to increase recycling and reduce the amount of plastic sent to landfills.

The units will allow consumers to recycle plastic film originating from food packaging and are available in 2,300 Co-op stores.

The change aligns with Co-op’s broader sustainability strategy, which focuses on reducing reliance on virgin plastic and supporting more circular material use in retail packaging.

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