Asda is continuing its drive to reduce single-use plastic by moving its entire own label fresh ready meal range into fully recyclable packaging.
Launching nationwide from 3 November, 97 of Asda’s fresh ready meal lines will move to the new ‘Evolve’ by Faerch trays, made from natural cPET – a form of detectable and recyclable plastic. The move will transform 775 tonnes of plastic and 45 million ready meal trays from non-recyclable to recyclable material.
With over half of its fresh ready meals already in recyclable plastic or foil trays, Asda claims the further additions will make it the first retailer in the UK to have an entire range of own label fresh ready meal trays that are fully recyclable.
Alongside wider industry moves to reduce plastic waste, Asda has already removed 6,500 tonnes of plastic from own label products over the past 12 months and has committed that all its own packaging will be 100% recyclable by 2025.
Paul Gillow, Asda’s Vice President of Own-Brand and Commercial Strategy, said: “Over 130 million of our ready meals are purchased each year by our customers, so this change to packaging means customers don’t have to prioritise plastic reduction over grocery decision making, ensuring they can continue purchasing quality products at great prices, but with the added value of recycle-ready packaging.”
Asda announced last week the moving of its entire Aberdeen Angus Steak range into fully recyclable cardboard trays, saving an additional 50 tonnes of plastic annually.
