The new packaging contains 60% less plastic than previous version and is fully recyclable through Asda’s 250 in-store collection points. The vacuum packaging is smaller in size whilst containing the same amount of beef mince as before. The method removes the oxygen that usually causes a product to eventually spoil, leading to longer shelf life.
Asda estimates the change will help remove 67.6 tonnes of plastic from its supply chain annually. The previous version of the packaging was used from May 2022 through to January 2024, and the new version is now available online and in shops.
Asda has followed Sainsbury’s, another UK supermarket chain, in switching to vacuum packaging to reduce plastic waste. Sainsbury’s initiative, however, was met by consumer criticism, who complained the packaging affected the product’s taste. Asda did not address this concern in its announcement of the new product.
“We’re always looking at new ways that we can make positive changes which will benefit both our customers and the planet, and we believe that this is one of those changes,” said Jon Wells, sustainable packaging manager at Asda. “Not only does this improve shelf life and provide greater convenience for our customers, it also removes tonnes of non-recyclable plastic from our supply chain, reducing our carbon footprint.”
Since the introduction of the UK plastic packaging tax in 2022, it has also become more expensive to use non-recycled plastic packaging. The tax requires producers of plastic packaging manufactured in, or imported into, the UK to pay GBP 200 per tonne of plastic packaging if it contains less than 30% recycled plastic.
Source: sustainableplastics.com
