Tesco has removed more than two billion pieces of plastic from its UK business since 2019, the year in which it launched its 4Rs packaging strategy, also known as remove, reduce, re-use, recycle.
In the past year, Tesco has identified and removed 500 million pieces of unnecessary plastic, including more than 30 million plastic yoghurt lids and 42 million plastic forks from prepared salads and rice bowls, replaced by the option of wooden alternatives.
Tesco responsible sourcing director Kené Umeasiegbu said: “We all have a responsibility to take care of our planet and removing unnecessary plastic is an important way that Tesco can reduce its environmental impact.
“As well as taking action in our own operations, we want to work with the whole industry to continue to build on the progress we’ve made to Remove, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle more,” he added.
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Tesco recently revealed in its latest annual report that by banning plastic wet wipes and removing 2 billion pieces of plastic from UK businesses, it has achieved a 55% reduction in scope 1 and 2 emissions.
To continue its efforts, the supermarket has published a new strategic report, detailing efforts needed by retailers, industry and government to help transform the UK’s approach to packaging.
In April, representatives from Marks and Spencer, Tesco and Ocado have all joined Compostable Coalition UK as members of its advisory board to help further its ambition to achieve full circularity for compostable packaging.
The board members are also signed up to the UK Plastics Pact.
