Sainsbury’s has become the first UK retailer to announce that it is switching from plastic to paper packaging across its own brand toilet paper and kitchen towel ranges.
The new fully-recyclable packaging will launch across 27 products, and will be rolled out across all lines by February next year.
The move is expected to help save 485 tonnes of plastic, or the equivalent of 55 million pieces of plastic, each year.
The packaging switch follows the introduction of double length toilet rolls in Sainsbury’s next year, with multipack rolls set to include double the number of sheets on each roll.
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“We sell thousands of our own brand toilet tissue and kitchen roll products every week and by switching from plastic to paper on these household staples we’re able to make a significant impact in reducing plastic,” said Sainsburys director of product and innovation Claire Hughes.
“This change alone represents the biggest plastic reduction in our grocery products so far and our customers can expect many more changes to come.”
“Collaborating with our suppliers to develop innovative packaging solutions to raise plastic is a key priority for Sainsbury’s, helping us to achieve our ambitious target of increasing recycled content and recyclability.”
The retailer has made several other key swaps this year, including swapping its babywear hangers from plastic to cardboard and switching its own brand laundry detergent from plastic to cardboard cartons.
The retailer has plans to reduce plastic packaging by 50% by 2025, it also has a target to become net zero in its own operations by 2035, and reduce scope 3 emissions by 50% by 2030 to align with the Paris agreement.
Other retailers including Aldi have taken similar steps such as trialling new plastic-free loose fruit and veg produce items, and trialling mince packaging alternatives to help cut plastic by 73%.
