Waitrose initiates an innovative cork recycling scheme.
- The trial is set to begin on 7 October across seven Waitrose stores.
- Participating stores include Salisbury, Saltash, and Maidenhead, among others.
- Used corks will be collected and repurposed by Amorim, the world’s largest cork processor.
- The trial aims to assess customer engagement and determine wider rollout possibilities.
Waitrose has introduced a pioneering cork recycling scheme, aiming to reduce waste and enhance its environmental sustainability. Starting from 7 October, the trial will be launched in seven Waitrose stores throughout the United Kingdom, commencing with the Salisbury location. Other stores participating in this initiative are located in Saltash, Lymington, Bath, Godalming, Truro, and the soon-to-relaunch Maidenhead.
Customers will be encouraged to deposit their used natural corks at designated collection points within these stores. These corks will be processed by Amorim, the largest cork processing group globally. The processed cork will be repurposed into a wide array of products including mulch, household items like placemats and coasters, flooring, and even shoes. This initiative not only targets waste reduction but also seeks to elevate Waitrose’s environmental impact.
Waitrose intends to draw insights from this trial to determine the feasibility of a broader rollout across more locations. By examining customer receptiveness to returning their natural corks, Waitrose hopes to expand this sustainable initiative in the future. Barry Dick, Waitrose’s Beer, Wine and Spirits Global Bulk Wine Sourcing Manager, emphasized the potential benefits, noting, “Waitrose customers get through a corking nearly 25 million natural corks a year. Currently this valuable material does not have its own waste stream which means it ends up in landfill. Cork is a durable material and has the potential to be repurposed into a variety of products after it has been used as a wine cork.”
In a related move last year, Waitrose became the first UK supermarket to offer wine bottles without the traditional plastic or foil sleeves commonly found around the neck. This measure was projected to save approximately half a tonne of unnecessary packaging annually. The commitment to sustainability reflects Waitrose’s broader environmental strategy.
The cork recycling trial by Waitrose reflects its commitment to sustainability and innovation, potentially setting a precedent for the wider retail industry.
