Waitrose to pilot ready meal trays made from household recycling materials

Waitrose is launching a trial to produce plastic trays for its own-brand ready meals using materials from British household recycling.

This initiative, conducted in collaboration with WRAP, Pilgrim’s Europe, and Faerch, represents a pioneering effort for UK supermarkets. The trial will initially focus on creating trays for Waitrose's curry range using recycled trays, pots, and tubs.

The goal is to eventually extend this process to other product lines. By utilizing high-quality food-grade polyethylene terephthalate (PET) sourced within the UK, the initiative aims to significantly reduce the reliance on virgin materials and promote a circular economy.

These new trays are set to appear on Waitrose shelves by mid-August, starting with a selection of ready meals and later expanding to additional product lines.