Co-op introduces sustainable packaging across three product categories

Co-op introduces sustainable packaging across three product categories
Sustainability

Co-op has rolled out new packaging formats across three of its own-brand product ranges, aiming to eliminate 115 tonnes of plastic annually from its supply chain. The changes affect bakery items, fresh produce and protein, and include a first-to-market solution for mini cakes.

In its bakery category, Co-op is replacing traditional plastic tubs used for its mini bite range with a new bag-in-box format. This packaging innovation reduces plastic use by 87% and is expected to save around 18 tonnes of plastic each year.

Co-op tote bag. Photo credit: The Co-op Group

For its Irresistible British steak range, the retailer has introduced fibre-based composite trays to replace plastic packaging. The switch applies to three premium steak cuts and is forecast to reduce plastic consumption by an additional 20 tonnes annually.

In the produce aisle, Co-op is moving its premium own-brand tomatoes into recyclable solid board punnets, moving away from conventional plastic containers. This transition is set to remove a further 77 tonnes of plastic from circulation each year.

Heather Thomas, group property and sustainability director at Co-op, said: Co-op is committed to making a difference to the lives of our members and the world in which they live. These new packaging developments will have a substantial impact across our operations, eliminating millions of pieces of plastic and importantly simplifying home recycling for our members and customers.

The newly introduced materials are designed to be recyclable via kerbside collection, helping customers more easily recycle packaging at home. Co-op says the move aligns with its broader sustainability strategy, which focuses on reducing reliance on virgin plastic and supporting more circular material use in retail packaging.

Latest Packaging News

EXPO PACK Guadalajara 2025 sets records
Events

EXPO PACK Guadalajara 2025 sets records

EXPO PACK Guadalajara 2025 welcomed 16,600 attendees from Mexico and throughout Latin America to...
Apollo VTS Asia showcases at ProPak Asia 2025
Supplier News

Apollo VTS Asia showcases at ProPak Asia 2025

A successful week at Asia’s leading packaging and processing exhibition Last week, we at Apollo VTS...
Spectra supports Fuss-Free Shaving with custom postal packs
Supplier News

Spectra supports Fuss-Free Shaving with custom postal packs

Spectra Packaging has teamed up with Fuss Free Shaving (FFS) to develop a bespoke solution for its...
Nestlé rolls out AI-powered digital twin platform for packaging and product content
Technology

Nestlé rolls out AI-powered digital twin platform for packaging and product content

Nestlé has introduced a new in-house AI-driven service designed to streamline the creation of...
Lumina Packaging emerges as fast-growing leader in custom packaging solutions
Supplier News

Lumina Packaging emerges as fast-growing leader in custom packaging solutions

In an industry where reliability and speed are everything, Lumina Packaging has emerged as a...