17 September 2019
We’re dedicated to doing everything we can to cut the amount of plastic across our business and supply chains. That’s why we’ve committed to
cut plastic by 50% by 2025.
Our latest step to reduce plastic is to remove own-brand plastic tampon applicators from all our stores. Our own-brand products now come with paper applicators, which saves an estimated 2.7 tonnes of plastic each year.
After removing plastic tampon applicators, all our own-brand products come in cardboard packaging and are 97% plastic free. We’re continuing to work with our suppliers to look into other sustainable options so we can offer customers the full absorbency range whilst cutting plastic use.
We already offer customers a range of plastic-free tampons, pads and panty-liners.
We’re working hard to ensure that all products are Forest Stewardship Council certified and work with suppliers to ensure that information such as the
Bag It, Bin It, Don’t Flush It logo is clearly presented on packaging to increase awareness that these products are not suitable to be flushed down the toilet and reduce blockages.
But rest assured, we’ll continue to explore more sustainable options and formats in the Sainsbury’s brand whilst ensuring we are offering affordable products that meet customers’ expectations.
This is the latest in our series of recent initiatives to cut plastic use including:
• Becoming the first retailer to replace black plastic trays for chilled ready meals with a recyclable alternative – this will save 1,003 tonnes of plastic each year
• As part of a trial in two stores we’ve introduced reusable drawstring bags in the fruit and vegs aisles, removing plastic produce bags and reducing plastic use by 1,284 tonnes!
• Several of our stores are trialling our new recycling return scheme which allows customers to exchange plastic bottles and drinks cans in exchange for coupons to use in-store
• Offering water refill stations to customers at over 300 stores across the UK
We’re also looking to open source ideas so we’ll have an area on our website for customers, colleagues, manufacturers, entrepreneurs and other interested parties to submit ideas to help reduce plastic packaging:
https://www.about.sainsburys.co.uk/helpreduceplastic
They’ll be plenty more announcements on how we’re cutting our plastic usage to meet our 2025 commitment over the next few weeks and months too!