Sainsbury’s is stepping up its sustainability efforts with new bakery packaging aimed at reducing plastic waste by 90%.
- Plastic clam-shell packaging for doughnuts and pastries is being replaced by more sustainable cardboard and paper options.
- In-store bakery bread will transition to partially recyclable bags, contributing to a significant 60% plastic reduction.
- These changes are set to prevent 414 tonnes of plastic waste annually.
- The move follows Sainsbury’s recent initiatives, including transitioning to cardboard packaging for own-brand mushrooms.
Sainsbury’s has made a bold move in its sustainability campaign by introducing new packaging for its in-store bakery products, aiming for a 90% reduction in plastic waste. Doughnuts and pastries will no longer use plastic clam-shell packaging, opting instead for eco-friendly cardboard and paper. This shift is expected to cut 414 tonnes of plastic annually, marking a significant stride in eco-conscious retail.
The retailer plans to replace all doughnuts with card boxes featuring a small viewing window, while twin-pastries, croissants, and cinnamon swirls will shift to paper bags. Such measures underscore Sainsbury’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint and adapting to consumers’ growing demand for sustainable options.
In a further effort to minimise environmental impact, Sainsbury’s will also transform the packaging of its in-store bakery bread. Loaves, baguettes, and batons will see up to a 60% reduction in plastic usage. This will be accomplished by swapping full plastic bags for recyclable bags with a plastic window, effectively saving 152 tonnes of plastic per year.
The packaging redesign also emphasises ease of recycling. The small plastic windows in the new cardboard and paper packaging can be detached and processed at any front-of-store recycling points, while the rest of the materials can be recycled at home.
The recent efforts align with Sainsbury’s previous actions, such as substituting plastic packaging with cardboard for own-brand mushrooms. This major shift has already led to a reduction of over 775 tonnes of plastic annually, reinforcing the company’s drive towards sustainability.
Overall, Sainsbury’s continues to lead by example in sustainability with these substantial packaging reforms.
