Sainsbury’s has taken a significant step towards sustainability with its new packaging solution. The supermarket giant is now offering laundry detergent in cardboard cartons. This move reduces plastic usage by 22 tonnes annually across its stores. The packaging is part of Sainsbury’s broader environmental strategy. The initiative demonstrates a commitment to sustainable practices and reducing carbon emissions.
Sainsbury’s marks a pioneering shift in the UK grocery sector by introducing its own-brand liquid laundry detergent in 750ml cardboard cartons. This novel packaging approach aims to significantly cut down plastic waste, with the supermarket chain estimating a reduction of 22 tonnes of plastic each year. Customers can now find these environmentally friendly alternatives both in-store and through online shopping.
The cardboard cartons are not only 35% lighter than their plastic counterparts but also fully recyclable, accommodating efforts towards more sustainable household solutions. Furthermore, the transition to cardboard packaging translates to the removal of 13 lorries from roads annually, thus contributing to a substantial 50% reduction in carbon emissions associated with the product logistics.
In alignment with this packaging innovation, Sainsbury’s has reformulated its laundry detergent to a super concentrated variety. This reformulation ensures that a smaller quantity of detergent is necessary per wash, effectively allowing for five additional washes per carton. Such a move not only lowers environmental impact but also provides added value to consumers.
This cardboard packaging launch is just one component of Sainsbury’s wider initiative to decrease its own brand plastic packaging by 50% by the year 2025. Previously, the supermarket has introduced various plastic-reduction initiatives, such as a one-litre refillable handwash pouch with 85% less plastic and a transition to aluminium coffee pods, which collectively save millions of plastic pieces annually.
Sainsbury’s active pursuit of sustainable packaging solutions highlights its commitment to environmental responsibility and innovation within the retail sector.