UK – Tesco, the UK’s leading supermarket group, has launched a trial to use laser etching on avocados instead of plastic labels, reports Reuters.
This initiative aims to reduce plastic waste using high-powered lasers to inscribe details such as the fruit’s size or variety directly on its skin.
The trial is currently being conducted in approximately 270 stores in southeast England. If customer feedback is positive, a nationwide rollout is planned.
Reuters reports that this initiative could potentially eliminate the use of nearly one million plastic stickers annually for Tesco’s loose, extra-large avocados.
Tesco’s primary avocado supplier, Westfalia Fruit, based in Lincolnshire, is collaborating on this initiative.
Graham Isaac, General Manager of Westfalia Fruit, told The Guardian, “We are confident that, with a clear focus and united effort as an industry, we will be able to significantly reduce our waste, use natural resources responsibly, and protect the environment and biodiversity for all our futures.”
As part of its multi-faceted approach to sustainability, Tesco is also exploring alternatives to plastic tray packaging.
For two of its popular avocado lines, the company is considering a switch to easily recyclable cardboard containers. This change alone could potentially save over 20 million pieces of plastic tray packaging annually.
Tesco sells nearly 70 million avocados annually and is working towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, including emissions from its operations, products, and supply chains. This trial is part of Tesco’s broader efforts to reduce plastic waste and improve sustainability.
Other retailers have also explored similar technologies. In 2017, Marks & Spencer conducted trials with its supplier, Mack, in Kent, using laser etching on oranges.
The Guardian reported that Laser Food, a Spanish company, has tested this technology on various fruits, including coconuts and apples.
Tesco launches sustainable meat packaging
Last month, Tesco Ireland, the Republic of Ireland-based subsidiary of British supermarket giant Tesco, announced plans to implement a more sustainable packaging format for its range of fresh mince meat products.
This decision follows a successful trial period last year, where the new ‘pillow pack’ packaging was tested on 470g packs of Tesco Irish lean steak mince.
The pillow pack replaces the traditional plastic tray and film lid, significantly reducing plastic usage. Based on the trial’s success, Tesco has decided to expand the use of the pillow pack across its beef, lamb, and pork mince meats, covering more than 14 products in the range.
This new packaging uses just under 70% less plastic while maintaining a high-quality appearance, taste, and texture.
Unlike vacuum packs, the pillow pack is a type of flow wrap packaging that keeps the mince in an inflated ‘pillow,’ preventing compression and ensuring the meat remains in perfect condition.
John Brennan, Tesco Ireland’s Fresh Food Category Director, stated, “Pillow-pack packaging uses 68% less plastic and guarantees the same high-quality appearance and, importantly, taste.
“Customers have grown used to these packs over recent months and expect to see this packaging on all mince products across our 175 stores. The plastic reduction element is significant and has the potential to save 76 tonnes of plastic each year.”
Tesco Ireland encourages customers to recycle the packaging by returning it to its front-of-store recycling units and other soft plastics.
This latest packaging innovation underscores Tesco’s ongoing efforts to minimize packaging waste.
Andy McGregor, Tesco Ireland’s Head of Sustainability, emphasized, “Where we need packaging because it serves a clear purpose like reducing food waste or protecting a product in transit, we do our best to ensure that what we do use is from sustainable sources and, where possible, goes on to be reused or recycled.
“We are committed to reducing all unnecessary packaging, and by 2025, our packaging will be fully recyclable, and all paper and board used will be 100% sustainable.”
This initiative reflects Tesco’s broader commitment to sustainability and reducing environmental impact through innovative packaging solutions.
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