Sainsbury’s is set to introduce crownless pineapples that will reduce food waste by 700 tonnes annually.
The crownless pineapples are the same as a traditional pineapple but with the green leaves removed.
As the leaves are typically thrown away by customers at home, by removing it for recycling during the production process, the supermarket will help customers to cut down on food-related waste.
The removed crowns will either be replanted in the pineapple fields or shredded and given to local farmers to be used for animal feed, reducing waste by 700 tonnes annually.
Sainsbury’s is also removing all packaging previously attached to the standard size pineapple, further reducing the waste customers would usually throw away at home.
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Sainsbury’s director of product and innovation Claire Hughes said that while the pineapples may look “out of the ordinary”, they will offer “very clear benefits in reducing waste and packaging.”
“We’re passionate about reducing our impact on the planet wherever we can, and we’re always looking for new and unique ways to make bold changes with sustainability in mind,” Hughes added.
“We hope that our customers will embrace the change with the knowledge that this quirky fruit is helping us to repurpose waste within our supply chain, as well as helping to reduce waste in their homes too.”
By removing the crown during production, Sainsbury’s can fit more of the product into each box it ships to stores, resulting in a reduction of 2,500 boxes transported per year.
From the 1st November, the supermarket will introduce the crownless pineapples but will continue to sell a large pineapple, which will remain with its leaves attached, to offer customers choice.
