Sainsbury’s has launched an initiative to combat plastic waste, replacing five million plastic hangers with eco-friendly cardboard versions.
- This change targets the Tu Clothing Baby range, with implementation across more than 400 stores nationwide.
- Customers can now opt to recycle these cardboard hangers at home or return plastic ones to stores for recycling.
- Between January and July, Sainsbury’s managed to recycle 12 million plastic hangers, amounting to 85 tonnes of plastic.
- The retailer has also switched its laundry detergent packaging to cardboard, showcasing its commitment to sustainability.
In a significant move towards sustainability, Sainsbury’s is aiming to save 103 tonnes of plastic by implementing cardboard hangers across its Tu Clothing Baby range. This initiative follows a successful trial and is now set to be rolled out across more than 400 stores nationwide. The introduction of these hangers enables customers to recycle them at home, reflecting a broader push towards eco-friendly practices within the retail sector.
Customers have also been encouraged to leave used plastic hangers at in-store checkouts for recycling. From January to July this year, Sainsbury’s has collected and recycled approximately 12 million plastic hangers, equivalent to about 85 tonnes of plastic. This effort underscores the supermarket’s dedication to reducing plastic waste and enhancing its recycling capabilities.
Moreover, Sainsbury’s has marked a pioneering step by being the first UK retailer to adopt cardboard packaging for its laundry detergents. This move is part of a larger trend within the supermarket industry as companies strive to reduce their plastic usage. Competitors such as Tesco and Lidl have similarly undertaken efforts to minimise plastic in their packaging, indicating a widespread industry shift.
As part of its comprehensive sustainability strategy, Sainsbury’s is not solely focusing on hangers. The supermarket has demonstrated its overall commitment to reducing plastic waste and increasing recyclability across its product range. By adopting such innovative approaches, Sainsbury’s not only contributes to environmental conservation efforts but also sets a benchmark for other retailers to follow.
Sainsbury’s adoption of cardboard hangers is a forward-thinking initiative, exemplifying the industry’s shift towards sustainability.