Sainsbury'sScottish So Organic whole chickens are now being sold in
compostable trays instead of plastic in Scottish stores, which it
claims is the first of its type for fresh meat - as it seeks to cut
packaging waste.
Made from sugar cane the packaging can be thrown straight into
the compost heap or bin where it will decompose naturally in around
eight weeks.
James Laws, Sainsbury's regional sourcing manager for fresh
foods in Scotland said: "More of our shoppers are becoming
increasingly aware not only about where their food is produced and
supporting local producers, but also have concerns on landfill and
deterioration of the environment.
Environmentally-friendly packaging is high on our agenda and
with this new generation of compostable packaging we will
significantly reduce the amount of plastic which threatens the
Scottish environment. Over 7000 organic chickens are sold every
week in Sainsbury's in Scotland and more than 100,000 Scots own a
compost bin. This packaging could save 9t/year of packaging going
to landfill."
The launch comes on the back of the commitment Sainsbury's made
in 2006, when they announced that, 'more than 500 of its own-brand
products will be sold in compostable packaging.'
This joint venture between
Grampian Country Food Group,
Sainsbury's and supplier Natura ASP, has taken over two years to
develop and implement into stores.
