Asda has announced it is removing traditional plastic tray packaging across its Just Essentials beef mince range and is replacing it with a lighter and recyclable flexible plastic film alternative.
The new packaging, which is now available in stores and online, contains 60% less plastic than previous version and is fully recyclable through Asda’s in-store collection points, which will help to remove 67.6 tonnes of plastic from Asda’s supply chain annually. The previous version of the packaging was used from May 2022 through to January 2024.
The vacuum-pack method of packaging removes the oxygen which typically causes a product to eventually spoil meaning the product has a longer shelf life than before. Thanks to the new method the pack is smaller in size taking up less space in the fridge, whilst containing the same amount of beef mince as before the change.
Asda has worked to make sure this packaging is recyclable under OPRL’s guidance, so customers will be able to recycle their clean used packaging through the front of store collection points at 250 of our largest stores.
It’s the latest in a string of changes from the supermarket as it continues to head towards its target off 100% recyclable packaging by 2025. Last year Asda also removed best before dates on almost 250 fresh fruit and vegetable products and changed its own brand yoghurts to a best before date, to help customers reduce food waste in the home and save money.
Jon Wells, Sustainable Packaging Manager at Asda, said: “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.”
“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.”
Asda’s latest ESG report, which provides an annual review on the progress it has made towards meeting its environmental targets, revealed that in 2022 the supermarket has increased the proportion of own-label packaging that can be recycled to 93%.