Walmart’s Asda Looks for Green Packaging Solutions

The ‘Green New Deal’ has caused quite a stir in the U.S. with consumers looking for sustainable solutions, and politicians running from or too environmental issues in order to garner more votes. According to Steven Johnson, Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® retailers will have to step-up and lead.  Those who do will garner the attention of consumers.

Walmart’s UK retailer Asda has announced that it has switched to 100% recyclable cardboard trays for its entire steak range. This new packaging initiative will allow the retailer to remove more than 23 million black plastic trays, each year, across its Extra Special, Butchers Selection and Farm Stores lines.

Get this, it will result in an annual reduction of 700 tons of plastic from its operations, which is equivalent to the weight of six blue whales. The products in the new packaging were rolled out online and in stores on 14 December of this year. Now that’s a great first step.

Asda’s senior buyer for red meat and fish, Paul Geary, stated, “We are passionate about delivering our commitment to customers to use less and recycle more and this move marks the next step in our journey as we strive to make all of our own-brand packaging 100% recyclable by 2025.

Geary continues “There is still some confusion around packaging and what can or can’t be recycled and by moving our entire range of steaks to recyclable cardboard trays, it means our customers don’t have to choose between living sustainably and purchasing quality, great value steaks".

Without a doubt as you can imagine the packaging initiative received a positive response from customers, which prompted the retailer to introduce the packaging in all private-label steak brands.

Note: earlier this year, Asda pledged to incorporate 30% recycled content in its plastic packaging by the end of 2020, and 15% overall reduction in plastic by February 2021

Interested in learning how Foodservice Solutions 5P’s of Food Marketing can edify your retail food brand while creating a platform for consumer convenient meal participation, differentiation and individualization? Email us at: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us or visit:  www.FoodserviceSolutions.us for more information.