Tesco introduces eco-friendly meat packaging

Tesco’s foray into sustainable meat packaging marks a significant stride in reducing plastic usage by nearly 70%. Tesco Ireland, a branch of the renowned British retail giant, unveiled plans to embrace a more eco-friendly packaging format for its assortment of fresh mince meat products.

Following a successful trial period, Tesco rolled out its innovative ‘pillow pack’ packaging, replacing the conventional plastic tray and film lid. The trial initially featured 470g packs of Tesco Irish lean steak mince, garnering positive feedback and paving the way for broader implementation.

Expanding its eco-conscious initiative, Tesco opted to extend the pillow pack across its beef, lamb, and pork mince meats, encompassing over 14 products in its range. This strategic shift translates into a substantial reduction in plastic usage while upholding the products’ quality standards in appearance, taste, and texture.

The pillow pack, characterized by its flow wrap design, offers a notable departure from vacuum packs. By maintaining the mince in an inflated ‘pillow,’ compression is prevented, ensuring the meat remains in optimal condition.

John Brennan, Tesco Ireland’s fresh food category director, emphasised the benefits of the pillow pack, highlighting its 68% reduction in plastic usage and its capacity to save 76 tonnes of plastic annually. Moreover, the retailer actively encourages customers to participate in recycling efforts by returning the packaging to in-store recycling units.

This eco-friendly endeavour aligns with Tesco’s overarching commitment to minimising packaging waste. Andy McGregor, Tesco Ireland’s sustainability head, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to sustainable practices, aiming for fully recyclable packaging by 2025 and ensuring that all paper and board used are sourced sustainably.

Tesco’s initiative extends beyond meat packaging, with recent endeavours like the launch of tubeless kitchen foil in the UK, expected to eliminate millions of cardboard rolls annually. Such initiatives underscore Tesco’s proactive stance in combating environmental challenges through innovative and sustainable solutions.