// Asda to reach 30% recycled content in plastic packaging by the end of 2020
// It aims to reduce the total amount of plastic used in own-brand packaging by 15% by February 2021
Asda has stepped up its commitment to plastic reduction by bringing forward its target to reach 30 per cent recycled content in plastic packaging by the end of 2020 – five years ahead of its original deadline.
The Big 4 grocer said it would avoid the use of approximately 19,500 tonnes of “virgin” plastic.
It has also set a new target of reducing the total amount of plastic used in its own-brand packaging by 15 per cent by February 2021.
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It will also trial a number of new refillable and reusable packaging solutions during 2020 as part of its “test and learn” approach to innovation.
Asda has removed more than 6500 tonnes of plastic packaging from its own brand range – equivalent to the weight of 600 million plastic bottles – since February 2018.
“The elimination of avoidable plastic, and crucially single-use plastic, is at the top of our minds – and at the top of our customers’ minds,” Asda chief executive Roger Burnley said.
“Whilst we have already made great progress in reducing plastic in our business, we are committed to identifying new opportunities to go further and do more.
“Our focus is on removing unnecessary plastic, and where packaging is beneficial to the life of a product we will trial new solutions that are as recycled and as recyclable as possible.”
To mark its other initiatives, Asda scrapped plastic bags for online deliveries on July 31 with the aim to save over 500 tonnes of plastic each year.
In addition, Asda announced in late September that it will move its entire own-brand fresh ready meal range into fully recyclable packaging on November 3, to be in line with its ongoing commitment to “use less and recycle more”.
Meanwhile, Asda is also seeking to partner with suppliers on the plastic pollution solution.
The supermarket has written to all of its suppliers with an open invitation for manufacturers to come forward with new ideas around reduced, reusable or recycled plastic solutions.
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