An investigation has revealed flaws in the recycling schemes of Tesco and Sainsbury’s, sparking a public outcry.
- Plastic waste from these supermarkets was tracked and found to be sent overseas, where it was incinerated or downcycled.
- Campaigners discovered that 70% of tracked waste was burned, contradicting the supermarkets’ sustainability claims.
- The findings highlight the systemic issue of excessive plastic production, overshadowed by inadequate recycling solutions.
- Both Tesco and Sainsbury’s responded, acknowledging the need for improved recycling facilities and practices.
An investigation by the Everyday Plastic campaign group and the Environmental Investigation Agency has put Tesco and Sainsbury’s under scrutiny. The inquiry tracked 40 bundles of supposedly recyclable plastic waste, utilizing Apple tracking devices to follow their journey from collection points across the UK.
The tracked waste travelled over 25,000km, with a significant portion ending up overseas, specifically in Turkey. Out of the tracked bundles that reached a final destination, seven were turned into fuel pellets, five were incinerated for energy recovery, and four were downcycled into inferior plastic products. This is in stark contrast to the intended purpose of these recycling schemes, which is to mitigate environmental harm by effectively recycling plastic waste.
Despite claims by Tesco and Sainsbury’s about their progress towards packaging recyclability, the investigation revealed that 70% of the plastic was burned for energy. The public disclosures prompt questions about the transparency and efficacy of these front-of-store recycling efforts. Tesco acknowledged a ‘supplier error’ for the waste sent to Turkey and expressed a commitment to improvement.
Everyday Plastic’s research director, Alison Colclough, criticised the schemes, noting that they divert attention from the core issue: excessive plastic packaging production. She stated, “The take-back schemes are being presented as a solution, which is diverting attention from the main issue that can’t be overlooked: far too much unnecessary plastic packaging is being produced.”
Sainsbury’s attributed the incineration to the condition of the collected plastic, claiming that when materials are soiled or damaged, conversion to energy is an alternative to landfill. They emphasise continual efforts to manage packaging life cycles positively and welcome feedback on improving their systems. Additionally, both supermarkets admitted that significant advancements in recycling infrastructure are still necessary in the UK and the EU.
The investigation highlights the urgent need for transparent and effective recycling solutions in addressing the excessive production of plastic packaging.
