Supermarket Battle for Sustainability
Most of us drive to the shops or order groceries online. Therefore, our choice about where to shop isn’t always based on geographical location. As such, the leading supermarkets battle to gain our business. These supermarket wars have positive and negative outcomes. However, we’d like to share a good news story.
Cutting Costs, Cutting Packaging
The usual way that supermarkets battle for customers is through price cuts, price freezes and loyalty schemes. Each week, they discount the cost of certain popular items to tempt us. It’s an effective strategy, yet puts pressure on suppliers and food producers to keep prices low.
However, there is a new supermarket war, which we’re fully in favour of. That is the battle for sustainability. As buyers, the majority of us want to make greener choices. In response, stores are on a mission to reduce or remove plastic packaging.
Now, cutting packaging takes time. Firstly, it requires collaboration with suppliers. Secondly, alternative options need to be thoroughly tested to ensure no compromise on quality. However, over the past decade, we’ve seen a reduction in excess packaging. In addition, single-use plastic has been replaced by biodegradable materials. And, the introduction of the Plastic Packaging Tax has fast-tracked actions.
Rolling Out Changes to Packaging
Among the latest moves is Sainsbury’s switch to FSC® paper packaging for toilet rolls and kitchen rolls. The new paper wrap can go in the recycling bin. Can you believe that this step alone will prevent 55 million pieces of soft plastic waste a year?
It is one of many changes that Sainsbury’s has made on their mission to halve plastic packaging by 2050. Fortunately, the other stores are making similar moves. There is still plenty of room for improvement. However, it is great to see competition driving positive change.
