Sainsbury’s introduces vacuum-packed lamb mince to cut plastic use.
- The new packaging reduces plastic by 65% and extends freshness.
- QR codes on packages offer cooking tips for customers.
- Sainsbury’s aims to save 26 tonnes of plastic annually.
- The initiative aligns with consumer demand for less plastic waste.
Sainsbury’s has announced the introduction of vacuum-packed packaging for their entire range of fresh lamb mince, representing a significant shift in their packaging strategy aimed at reducing plastic waste. By moving away from traditional plastic trays, Sainsbury’s plans to reduce the plastic used in their lamb mince products by at least 65%. The move is part of a broader commitment by the retailer to minimise its environmental impact and cater to the growing consumer preference for sustainable packaging solutions.
This new packaging has been designed to extend the freshness of the lamb mince by removing oxygen, which is a common cause of spoilage. By vacuum-packing the lamb, Sainsbury’s not only ensures a longer shelf life but also enhances the product’s suitability for freezing. Despite the change in packaging, the quantity and expected quality of the product remain unchanged, according to Sainsbury’s. These innovations come in response to previous challenges faced by the supermarket in maintaining the quality of its packaged meat products.
To assist customers in adapting to the new packaging, Sainsbury’s has incorporated QR codes on the lamb mince packs. These codes provide useful cooking tips and advice, aiming to improve the customer experience. Sainsbury’s director of fresh food, Richard Crampton, remarked on the initiative, stating, “We know customers want us to reduce plastic packaging and that’s why we’re committed to making bold changes which benefit the environment as well as helping customers to reduce plastic waste at home.” This customer-centric approach highlights the supermarket’s responsiveness to consumer demands and environmental considerations.
This initiative follows Sainsbury’s earlier efforts to reduce plastic use in their beef mince packaging, where a similar strategy led to a reduction of 450 tonnes of plastic annually. The introduction of vacuum packing for lamb mince is set to save an additional 26 tonnes of plastic each year. Furthermore, the new packaging is fully recyclable at Sainsbury’s in-store recycling points, including flexible plastic collection areas, ensuring an end-to-end environmentally conscious approach.
Sainsbury’s strategic move to vacuum-pack lamb mince underscores its commitment to sustainability by significantly reducing plastic waste while maintaining product quality.
