Fully-recyclable sandwich packaging to be trialled in UK supermarkets
Greencore Group plc (‘ Greencore ’ or the ‘ Group ’), a leading UK manufacturer of convenience foods , is delighted to announce that , in partnership with the Coop and Sainsbury ’ s , it will soon commence ‘ test and learn ’ trials of an all fibre plastic free recyclable sandwich skillet in stores across the UK .
The packaging , developed in conjunction with ProAmpac and believed to be the first of its type in the world , marks the culmination of 18 months of research and development by Greencore . The skillet will have a plastic-free window and be made entirely from paper-based material ; crucially , due to the precise level of moisture resistance the skillet provides , it will see products have the exact same shelf life as if they were they packaged in a traditional skillet .
Data shows that consumers currently find it challenging to separate the plastic film from the packaging of a typical sandwich skillet , meaning that recycling rates are nowhere near as high as they could be . The new skillet ’ s all-paper construction will make the process much easier for consumers . Subject to successful trials , which commence in September 2021 , and the proposition meeting all parties ’ performance criteria , roll-out of the new packaging will begin later in the year . In time , Greencore expects to make these new packaging techniques available to the wider UK market .
Development of the fully-recyclable skillet sees Greencore deliver on one of the key commitments outlined in its 2020 Sustainability Report . The Sustainability Report also contains a range of pledges across the areas of sourcing , manufacturing , and community engagement . Further commitments include :
• All surplus product will be donated to local communities by 2022
• A deforestation-free supply chain by 2025
• All raw materials will be sustainably sourced by 2030
• Product development will be equally split between animal protein versus plantrich alternatives by 2030 .
It is estimated that some 600 million pre-packed sandwiches are consumed in the UK every year , or just over 1,100 every minute . Should the fully-recyclable skillet ultimately be adopted as industry best practice , the potential for significant reductions in plastic usage and in improved recycling rates is immense .
Andy Wright , Head of Sustainability at Greencore , commented :
“ Consumers are increasingly aware not just of the importance of their own health but also of the impact their food has on the health of the planet . Developing a fully recyclable sandwich skillet is one of the key ways we can reduce waste and help our customers do their bit to protect the environment .
“ This is not a problem we can solve alone , though . The complexities of the challenges we face require collective action , inside and outside our industry , and Greencore is pleased to have such supportive customers who share our enthusiasm for making great food for all , that ’ s accessible , healthy and sustainable .”
Breige Donaghy , Director of Delicious Food , Co-op , said :
“ We ’ ve worked closely with Greencore from the start on the development of the compostable sandwich packaging and implemented the first trial of its use in our pop-up store at Glastonbury Festival in 2019 with great success .
“ The trial aligns with Co-op ’ s ambition to reduce the use of virgin plastic and how we ’ ve also worked to ensure that all of our own-brand packaging is now fully recyclable . We ’ re looking forward to seeing the new packaging on shelves this autumn and are confident it will resonate with our members and customers .”
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