Tesco has announced it will replace the plastic tubs its laundry detergent pods are sold in with new recyclable cardboard packaging.
The move into card will save 252 tonnes of plastic annually, the supermarket says, and over four million pieces of plastic across eight lines. Tesco says the box contains more than 90% recycled cardboard and is FSC certified with a thin plastic liner inside to protect the pods.
When empty, the cardboard box can be put in the normal household recycle bin. The range will consist of three products, bio, non-bio and scented, priced at £5.50 for 40 washes.
Tesco is also launching bigger packs of pods for families that offer “better value”.
This is one of many changes we’re making to reduce unnecessary plastic from products right across our stores.
This move comes as part of Tesco’s 4Rs packaging strategy to tackle the impact of plastic waste, which commits the supermarket to removing plastic where it can, reducing where it can’t and looking at ways to reuse more and recycle what’s left.
Since the launch of the 4Rs strategy in August 2019, Tesco says it has removed 1.8bn pieces of plastic and reduced packaging by more than 10,000 tonnes, with fruit juices, crisps and cheese among many products that are all now being produced using less plastic.
Commenting on the announcement, Tesco Group Quality Director Sarah Bradbury, said: “Customers are focused on getting great value right now, but we know that they still want to choose products that use less or no plastic in their packaging.
“This is one of many changes we’re making to reduce unnecessary plastic from products right across our stores.”