Respect for the environment
In 2000, we launched fully compostable packaging with breakthrough biodegradable trays on some of our organic produce. In 2002 we held the first organic conference by any supermarket, leading to the launch of our design award winning* Sainsbury’s SO organic range in 2006.
Millions of plastic trays and bags from Sainsbury’s organic food have disappeared over the past 12 months replaced with ‘compostable, recycled or recyclable packaging’, the friendliest form of packaging for the environment according to the Women’s Institute. Now 90% of our Sainsbury's SO organic produce is in compostable, recycled or recyclable packaging, including cane sugar trays, flow wrap film, labels and netting, which is all made from non-petroleum, sustainable and renewable sources.
Speaking in 2006, Justin King, Sainsbury’s Chief Executive, laid down a two-pronged challenge to both other retailers and Government: “Our customers tell us that food packaging is extremely important to them and can determine what they buy, so our packaging team has been looking at ways to address these concerns.
“We urge the Government to ensure that every home in Britain has a compost bin. We also support other retailers in putting more of their food in this packaging so that it becomes the norm. It would be positive to think that in the near future, customers can halve their household waste by composting, as well as contributing to tackling major environmental issues.”
How Compostable Packaging works:
Instead of plastic, the packaging is replaced by the use of maize, sugar cane or starch packaging. This means it can naturally break down in a garden compost heap, eradicating the need for packaging to be binned or bagged and sent to landfill.
What to look out for:
Sainsbury’s SO organic fruit and vegetables. Almost 90% of organic fruit and vegetables will be available in compostable, recycled or recyclable packaging from September 2007.
