Menu
08/09/2006
Sainsbury's introduces 'green' packaging
Supermarket chain Sainsbury's has announced that it is introducing compostable packaging for more than 500 of its own-brand products.
Compostable packaging, which would be used instead of plastic, involves the use of maize, sugar-cane or starch packaging, meaning that it can naturally break down in a garden compost heap, eradicating the need for packaging to be binned or bagged and sent to landfill.
The packaging has been trialled by Sainsbury's on a small range of organic fruit and vegetables and will now be extended to cover 500 other products. Sainsbury's said that almost half of its organic fruit and vegetables range will in the new packaging this week, rising to 80% by January.
The packaging will also be used in all Sainsbury's ready meals by September next year.
The supermarket said that the move will save 4,010 thousands tonnes of fossil fuel - 3,550 tonnes of plastic - from their output alone every year, as well as reducing rubbish collected for landfill.
Announcing the move, Sainsbury's Chief Executive Justin King, said: "We're now confident that putting 500 types of our food, from ready meals to organics, in compostable packaging will significantly help to reduce the packaging that most threatens the environment. It also creates an opportunity for customers to dispose of their own waste at home."
Mr King urged the government to ensure that every home in Britain was supplied with a compost bin.
Sainsbury's move follows the introduction of a scheme by Tesco to encourage customers to cut down on the amount of carrier bags they used, but offering one loyalty card point for every bag they do not use.
Environmental campaigners Friends of the Earth welcomed Sainsbury's announcement on Friday, but urged them to phase out all non-recyclable packaging. Dr Michael Warhurst, the group's resource campaigner, said: "The supermarket chain must also take urgent action to reduce the impact that its operations have on the environment and farming communities.
"Today's announcement is a step in the right direction, but it has a long way to go before it can be viewed as a green grocer."
(KMcA)
Compostable packaging, which would be used instead of plastic, involves the use of maize, sugar-cane or starch packaging, meaning that it can naturally break down in a garden compost heap, eradicating the need for packaging to be binned or bagged and sent to landfill.
The packaging has been trialled by Sainsbury's on a small range of organic fruit and vegetables and will now be extended to cover 500 other products. Sainsbury's said that almost half of its organic fruit and vegetables range will in the new packaging this week, rising to 80% by January.
The packaging will also be used in all Sainsbury's ready meals by September next year.
The supermarket said that the move will save 4,010 thousands tonnes of fossil fuel - 3,550 tonnes of plastic - from their output alone every year, as well as reducing rubbish collected for landfill.
Announcing the move, Sainsbury's Chief Executive Justin King, said: "We're now confident that putting 500 types of our food, from ready meals to organics, in compostable packaging will significantly help to reduce the packaging that most threatens the environment. It also creates an opportunity for customers to dispose of their own waste at home."
Mr King urged the government to ensure that every home in Britain was supplied with a compost bin.
Sainsbury's move follows the introduction of a scheme by Tesco to encourage customers to cut down on the amount of carrier bags they used, but offering one loyalty card point for every bag they do not use.
Environmental campaigners Friends of the Earth welcomed Sainsbury's announcement on Friday, but urged them to phase out all non-recyclable packaging. Dr Michael Warhurst, the group's resource campaigner, said: "The supermarket chain must also take urgent action to reduce the impact that its operations have on the environment and farming communities.
"Today's announcement is a step in the right direction, but it has a long way to go before it can be viewed as a green grocer."
(KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 October 2007
Recycling Targets Will Be Missed: Report
It has been claimed that the UK will fail to hit important recycling targets. A new report has revealed that as much as 40% of the packaging used by leading supermarkets cannot be recycled. The Local Government Association (LGA) document has warned that big food chains must therefore cut back on excessive packaging.
Recycling Targets Will Be Missed: Report
It has been claimed that the UK will fail to hit important recycling targets. A new report has revealed that as much as 40% of the packaging used by leading supermarkets cannot be recycled. The Local Government Association (LGA) document has warned that big food chains must therefore cut back on excessive packaging.
22 January 2015
Plain Cigarette Packaging Vote Brought Forward
MPs will vote on a proposed law to introduce plain packaging for cigarettes before the next general election. Public Health Minister Jane Ellison, said that "all the evidence" pointed to the move having a positive impact on public health. The move however is expected to be strongly opposed by the cigarette industry.
Plain Cigarette Packaging Vote Brought Forward
MPs will vote on a proposed law to introduce plain packaging for cigarettes before the next general election. Public Health Minister Jane Ellison, said that "all the evidence" pointed to the move having a positive impact on public health. The move however is expected to be strongly opposed by the cigarette industry.
10 September 2003
Government earmark £23m for academic fellowships
The Science Minister, Lord Sainsbury, has announced plans for a new £23m fund to help UK universities keep their best scientists. The scheme for 200 academic fellowships allocated each year, aims to address concerns that the career path between PhD researcher and University lecturer lacks logical progression and job security.
Government earmark £23m for academic fellowships
The Science Minister, Lord Sainsbury, has announced plans for a new £23m fund to help UK universities keep their best scientists. The scheme for 200 academic fellowships allocated each year, aims to address concerns that the career path between PhD researcher and University lecturer lacks logical progression and job security.
16 August 2004
Sainsbury's buys over leading regional store chain
Sainsbury's has bought over a leading regional convenience store chain, with its 114 outlets, it has been announced today. In taking over Jacksons, Sainsburys boosts its regional presence to 250 stores; comprising 67 Sainsbury’s Locals, 54 Bells Stores, and a further 22 in partnership with Shell UK.
Sainsbury's buys over leading regional store chain
Sainsbury's has bought over a leading regional convenience store chain, with its 114 outlets, it has been announced today. In taking over Jacksons, Sainsburys boosts its regional presence to 250 stores; comprising 67 Sainsbury’s Locals, 54 Bells Stores, and a further 22 in partnership with Shell UK.
30 October 2013
Sainsbury's Seek Judicial Review Of ASA Decision
Supermarket chain Sainsbury's is seeking a judicial review into a decision by the Advertising Standards Authority to reject its complaint over rival Tesco's 'Price Promise" campaign.
Sainsbury's Seek Judicial Review Of ASA Decision
Supermarket chain Sainsbury's is seeking a judicial review into a decision by the Advertising Standards Authority to reject its complaint over rival Tesco's 'Price Promise" campaign.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
