Co-op is set to remove 18 tonnes of plastic annually from its own-label bakery range with the introduction of new packaging on several lines.
Described as a ‘first-to-market innovation’, the convenience retailer is switching from traditional plastic tubs to a bag-in-a-box format for its mini bite bakery range – a move which will result in an 87% reduction in plastic usage.
The alternative packaging will also facilitate easier recycling for shoppers at home, Co-op said, as the cardboard box can be recycled via kerbside collections. The internal plastic bag, meanwhile, can be recycled at soft plastics collection points in many supermarkets, including 2,300 Co-op stores.
“Co-op is committed to making a difference to the lives of our members and the world in which they live. This new packaging development will have a substantial impact across our operations, eliminating the use of plastic and importantly simplifying home recycling for our members and customers,” said Heather Thomas, group property and sustainability director at Co-op.
“The past year has continued to bring ongoing climate and environment crises in the UK and beyond, and we all must do more – Co-op is focused on working with suppliers and, within its own operations, to continue to reduce its plastic and carbon footprint,” Thomas added.
It forms part of a wider initiative for Co-op which has seen it remove almost 5,000 tonnes of plastic from its own-label packaging since 2018. The retailer moved several popular lines to alternative packaging last year, from rolling out paper banana bands across all banana lines to removing plastic lids from houmous pots, which saved more than 420 tonnes of plastic.
Co-op has committed to reaching net zero across its operations by 2035 and entire business by 2040. In March 2024, Co-op became the first convenience retailer to have its net zero targets validated by the globally-recognised Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). In its updated Climate Action Plan, Co-op also committed to sourcing renewable energy via corporate PPAs and investing in supporting suppliers and producers to reduce absolute carbon emissions.
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