Tesco switches to recyclable cardboard packaging for laundry detergent pods

Tesco switches to recyclable cardboard packaging for laundry detergent pods

Sustainability

Tesco has replaced the plastic containers used for its laundry detergent pods with new recyclable cardboard packaging.

The move is expected to save 252 tonnes of plastic annually and over four million pieces of plastic across eight product lines. The cardboard box is made of more than 90% recycled material and is FSC certified, with a thin plastic liner inside to protect the pods. The box can be placed in the household recycle bin once empty.

With over 24 million people in the UK regularly purchasing laundry products, 38% of customers opt for pods, compared to 28% for powder detergent and 34% for liquid or gel. Tesco is also launching larger packs of pods for families at a price of £5.50 for 40 washes, consisting of three products: bio, non-bio, and scented.

This initiative is part of Tesco’s 4Rs packaging strategy to address plastic waste. The strategy involves removing plastic where possible, reducing it where necessary, exploring ways to reuse more, and recycling what is left. Since the launch of the 4Rs strategy in August 2019, Tesco has removed 1.8 billion pieces of plastic and reduced packaging by more than 10,000 tonnes. Many products, such as fruit juices, crisps, and cheese, are now being produced using less plastic.

Tesco switches to recyclable cardboard packaging for laundry detergent pods
© Tesco PLC
Tesco Group Quality Director Sarah Bradbury said: "Customers are focused on getting great value right now, but we know that they still want to choose products that use less or no plastic in their packaging. This is one of many changes we're making to reduce unnecessary plastic from products right across our stores."

This article was originally published by Tesco PLC.

Latest Packaging News

Tesco trials new on-pack labelling to study UK grape preferences
Business

Tesco trials new on-pack labelling to study UK grape preferences

A major study is currently underway to determine the key factors influencing grape purchases among...
A record-breaking year: Paris Packaging Week 2025 draws 12,588 visitors
Events

A record-breaking year: Paris Packaging Week 2025 draws 12,588 visitors

Paris Packaging Week 2025 has set a new benchmark, welcoming an unprecedented 12,588 visitors — a...
Fastmarkets Forest Products Europe Conference 2025: Navigating market challenges and innovations in pulp, paper & packaging
Events

Fastmarkets Forest Products Europe Conference 2025: Navigating market challenges and innovations in pulp, paper & packaging

More than 300 industry professionals from over 30 countries will convene at Fastmarkets Forest...
Iceland reverts to plastic trays for mince following shopper backlash
Business

Iceland reverts to plastic trays for mince following shopper backlash

Iceland Foods has discontinued its vacuum-sealed packaging for mince and returned to conventional...
New cardboard prawn boxes replace hard-to-recycle styrofoam in Australia
Sustainability

New cardboard prawn boxes replace hard-to-recycle styrofoam in Australia

A new recyclable cardboard box is set to replace traditional expanded polystyrene (EPS) packaging...