New packaging set to save 450 tonnes of plastic each year
Sainsbury’s has announced plans to vacuum pack its entire own-brand beef mince range in a bid to cut plastic waste.
The new packaging will replace the traditional plastic tray packaging, saving 450 tonnes of plastic per year as a result.
The move is the latest in a series of initiatives from the retail giant in a bid to reach its goal of halving its use of plastic packaging in Sainsbury’s own-brand products by 2025.
The new beef mince vacuum packaging falls in line with this pledge, by using a minimum of 55% less plastic than the previous packaging.
Customers of the UK’s second-largest supermarket will be able to purchase beef mince in the revamped packaging both in-store and online.
Claire Hughes, director of product and innovation at Sainsbury’s, said: “We know our customers expect us to be reducing the use of plastic across our products and we’re constantly looking for new ways to innovate to meet our Plan for Better plastic reduction targets.
“We strive to be bold in the changes we are making, which is why we’re pleased to be the first UK retailer to vacuum pack all our beef mince range without impacting the quantity or great quality of product that our customers expect.
“This is the latest in a long line of changes we have pioneered in the space working collaboratively with our suppliers, and customers can expect much more to come.”
As well as saving on plastic, vacuum packaging also helps to keep food fresh by removing from the packaging all of the oxygen that typically causes the produce to spoil.
Vacuum-packed food can last for up to five times longer than food packed in more traditional packaging. Furthermore, food packed in vacuum pouches takes up less storage space, allowing for a more efficient use of fridge-freezers.
Vacuum pouches are also an essential element of sous vide cooking – the process of precision cooking using a temperature-controlled water bath.
However, budding chefs should note that sous vide requires specific vacuum pouches designed for cooking, rather than regular vacuum pouches used for food storage.
Image courtesy of Sainsbury’s.
