Tesco has launched a major sustainability initiative by replacing plastic packaging with paper across its Finest pasta range, in a move set to eliminate more than 10 million pieces of plastic from its stores annually.
The switch, which has already begun rolling out in stores this week, will remove over 30 tonnes of plastic from the retailer’s packaging waste.
The change affects products available in both main Tesco stores and Express outlets, marking another significant step in the supermarket’s ongoing efforts to reduce plastic waste.
The new paper packaging initiative spans 10 different product lines within Tesco’s Finest pasta range.
The move is set to eliminate more than 10 million pieces of plastic from its stores annually
Tesco
The supermarket has confirmed that the new packaging is 100 per cent recyclable and can be disposed of through standard household recycling bins.
This change represents a significant shift in how premium pasta products are presented to customers while maintaining the same high-quality contents.
The move demonstrates Tesco’s commitment to more sustainable packaging solutions, with the change being implemented across both larger stores and smaller Express formats.
This latest initiative forms part of Tesco’s 4Rs strategy – Remove, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – which has been driving the retailer’s packaging improvements since 2019.
The comprehensive approach has yielded significant results, with Tesco removing more than 2.3 billion pieces of plastic from its UK business operations to date.
The strategy demonstrates the supermarket’s long-term commitment to tackling plastic waste through systematic changes to its packaging.
The 4Rs framework continues to guide Tesco’s decision-making around packaging choices, ensuring a consistent approach to sustainability across its product range.
Tesco group sustainability and quality director, Claire Lorains, commented: “Removing unnecessary plastic is an important way that Tesco can reduce its environmental impact.
“The new paper packaging works just as well as the old plastic but can be popped into your normal recycling bin with other paper.
“We’re proud of the work we’ve done so far to reduce the plastic we use at Tesco but will continue to look for ways to do more.”
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This latest initiative forms part of Tesco’s 4Rs strategy – Remove, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
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Beyond the pasta packaging change, Tesco has implemented other significant eco-friendly initiatives this year.
The retailer became the first supermarket to eliminate plastic packaging from its own-brand pocket tissue multi-packs, replacing it with recyclable paper.
This change alone has saved more than 55 million pieces of soft plastic.
Tesco has also introduced a new range of luxury toilet rolls and kitchen towels made from recycled cardboard, sourced from home delivery boxes and other cardboard waste.
This innovative production process uses fewer resources, including reduced water, chemicals and energy compared to traditional manufacturing methods using tree fibre.
