UK | In its largest single plastics removal initiative to date, Sainsbury's is transitioning its own-brand mushroom punnets from plastic to cardboard. This switch is projected to save over 775 tonnes of plastic annually, equivalent to more than 52 million pieces. The weight of the removed plastic equals that of 43 full London double-decker buses.
By the end of the month, the change will encompass all 13 own-brand mushroom lines, including popular varieties such as whole baby buttons, closed cups, organic, and chestnut mushrooms. The move is designed to facilitate easier recycling for customers at home. Sainsbury’s will become the first UK retailer to introduce cardboard punnets for all mushrooms across its stores.
Customers can purchase Sainsbury’s and SO Organic mushrooms in cardboard punnets both in-store and online. The transition will extend to Taste the Difference lines by the end of January.
Claire Hughes, Director of Product and Innovation, emphasised the retailer's commitment to reducing plastic packaging.
“Making a collective effort with suppliers to increase recycled content and recyclability for all customers has helped achieve our biggest ever plastics removal,” said Hughes.
“The initiative reflects our commitment towards a healthier and more sustainable future as we continue to look at ways to innovate our packaging and reduce and replace plastic where possible.”
While the film packaging can still be recycled at Sainsbury’s front-of-store flexible plastics recycling points, this move aligns with the retailer's broader sustainability efforts. It follows previous packaging changes, including removing plastic trays from tomatoes in 2020 and eliminating plastic in toilet and kitchen rolls, saving approximately 485 tonnes of plastic annually.
