In an effort to reduce plastic usage, Tesco has introduced new ‘pillow packs’ for fresh mince, cutting plastic by 70%.
- The new packaging will be implemented across Tesco’s 500g beef lean steak mince varieties, with further expansion dependent on consumer reception.
- These ‘pillow packs’ maintain the quality of the mince without compression, unlike vacuum-sealed options from other retailers.
- The packaging redesign enables enhanced logistics, requiring fewer deliveries and improving shelf space efficiency.
- Tesco’s initiative aligns with its 4Rs strategy, targeting reduction and recycling of plastic from its operations.
Tesco is taking a significant step towards environmental sustainability by replacing its traditional tray wrap packs for fresh mince with new ‘pillow packs’. These innovative packs use 70% less plastic, addressing consumer demand for reduced plastic packaging.
Initially, the transition to these ‘pillow packs’ will cover Tesco’s 500g beef lean steak mince with both 5% and 20% fat content. Depending on customer feedback, this change could extend to additional product lines.
The ‘pillow pack’ design offers an advantage over vacuum-packed alternatives, as it prevents the mince from being compressed, thus maintaining its quality more effectively than existing market solutions from retailers like Lidl, Co-op, and Sainsbury’s.
From a logistical perspective, the reduced packaging size improves distribution efficiency. This change means more packs can fit on store shelves, and fewer lorries are required for transportation, thereby enhancing product availability for customers.
This initiative forms part of Tesco’s broader 4Rs packaging strategy—Remove, Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. To date, they have succeeded in removing approximately 2.2 billion pieces of plastic from their UK operations, demonstrating their commitment to environmental responsibility.
Tesco’s introduction of ‘pillow packs’ is a strategic move in reducing plastic use and improving logistical operations, aligning with their sustainability goals.
