Morrisons has introduced compostable packaging to its organic fresh produce range.
The range uses trays made of sugar cane fibre, bags produced from GM-free starch and flow-wrap films and bag sealing tape made from wood pulp.
The plant-based materials naturally break down in domestic composts over a period of six to 24 months, which eliminates the need to dispose of the packaging in landfills.
Morrisons’ green move will help to prevent 27 tonnes of plastic packaging and 4.5t of moulded fibre from going to landfill each year, although this figure is set to increase, with the retailer’s plans to roll out the compostable packaging across further lines this year.
Morrisons purchasing manager Alistair Hall said: “Initially introduced on nine key lines, Morrisons is planning to extend compostable packaging to other organic and non organic lines as part of its commitment to finding ways to reduce packaging waste.”
The organic products which will use the packaging are: apples in four packs and 750g bags, kiwi, pears, six-pack salad tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, little gem lettuce, courgettes, potatoes and hearted cabbage.
The packaging is identified with a seedling logo and compostability accreditation standard and includes instructions for pack disposal.
Meanwhile, Morrisons’ new year initiatives also extend to the implementation of two in-store recycling services.
More than 345 stores nationwide are offering customers recycling facilities for plastic carrier bags and used Christmas cards.
The plastic carrier bags deposited will be sent for recycling along with polythene accumulated from other sources within the store.
A spokesman for the chain said: “It is estimated that 150 million plastic carrier bags are used in the UK every week and by offering recycling facilities, Morrisons hope to make a significant reduction in the number of plastic carrier bags being deposited into landfill sites.”
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