Tesco Ireland has unveiled plans to trial a new meat packaging format on its mince products which will help reduce plastic use by 68 percent.
The retailer will replace its existing Tesco own-brand mince packaging with a flow wrap alternative known as a 'pillow pack', ensuring the product is kept intact without compromising quality or taste. It will replace the plastic tray and film lid, starting with the Tesco Irish Lean Steak Mince, five percent fat, 470g.
Tesco Ireland Fresh Food Category Director John Brennan said this new pillow pack packaging uses 68 percent less plastic and guarantees the same high-quality look, taste and feel that our customers know and expect from Tesco.
"The new packs will hit the shelves in July and be used on minced meat products. The plastic reduction element is significant and has the potential to save around 100 tonnes of plastic each year if the trial is rolled out across all mince product lines," said Brennan.
The retailer will trial the new mince packaging in its Tesco Irish lean steak mince five percent fat, 470g and if successful, more of its mince products lines will switch to the 'pillow pack'. Certain retailers in the Netherlands and Sweden already use this flow wrap packaging.
This latest packaging change is part of Tesco's ongoing commitment to use only what is necessary. The packaging does an important job. It protects products and reduces food waste. But it should never find its way into the environment. Tesco Ireland follows the '4Rs'.
"Remove where we can, Reduce it where we can't, Reuse more of it, and Recycle what's left."
As a grocery retailer, Tesco Ireland is exceptionally committed to 'SDG12, which encourages 'more sustainable consumption and production patterns.'
Tesco was the first major Irish grocery retailer to partner with the food-sharing app OLIO. This volunteer organisation connects neighbours and local businesses to share surplus food. With the support of both organisations, Tesco has redistributed the equivalent of over 18 million meals to help those most in need across Ireland to date.
