Tesco Ireland has unveiled plans to roll out a new, more sustainable packaging format across its fresh minced meat products. The move follows a trial last year, where the retailer replaced the traditional plastic tray and film lid with a pillow pack on all 470g packs of Tesco Irish lean steak mince.
Following a successful trial, the retailer has now made the decision to use pillow pack on its beef, lamb, and pork mince meats, of which there are more than 14 products in the range.
The flow wrap alternative known as ‘pillow pack’ uses just under 70 percent less plastic and guarantees the same high-quality look, taste and feel. Pillow packs are the opposite to vacuum packs. The slightly inflated ‘pillow’ keeps the mince in perfect condition and prevents it being compressed at all.
Customers can recycle or bring back to store and place in the front of store recycling units with their other soft plastic.
Tesco Ireland, Fresh Food Category Director, John Brennan said, “Pillow pack packaging uses 68% less plastic and guarantees the same high-quality appearance, and importantly, taste. Customers have grown used to these packs over recent months and can now expect to see this packaging on all mince products across our 175 stores. The plastic reduction element is significant and has the potential to save 76 to nnes of plastic each year.”
This latest innovation is part of Tesco’s ongoing commitment to ensure it never uses more packaging than is necessary. Tesco Ireland, Head of Sustainability, Andy McGregor said, “Where we need packaging, because it serves a clear purpose like reducing food waste or to protect a product in transit, we do our best to ensure that what we do use is from sustainable sources and where possible, goes on to be reused or recycled. We are committed to reducing all unnecessary packaging, and by 2025 our packaging will be fully recyclable, and all paper and board used will be 100% sustainable.”
Tesco is one of Ireland’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) champions as appointed by Minister Eamon Ryan. Since 2015 the SDGs have been central to the development of our Environmental Social Governance (ESG) strategy, the framework for our long-term and integrated approach to sustainability.
