Tesco Ireland, the Republic of Ireland-based subsidiary of British supermarket giant Tesco, has revealed plans to use a new, more sustainable packaging format for its range of fresh mince meat products.
The plans follow a successful trial period last year.
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As part of the trial, the retailer used the new packaging, known as a ‘pillow pack’, on its 470g packs of Tesco Irish lean steak mince.
The pillow pack replaces the traditional plastic tray and film lid, resulting in a significant reduction in plastic usage.
Based on the trial’s success, Tesco has decided to expand the use of the pillow pack across its beef, lamb, and pork mince meats, encompassing more than 14 products in the range.
The new packaging uses just under 70% less plastic while maintaining a high-quality appearance, taste, and texture.
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By GlobalDataThe pillow pack, a type of flow wrap packaging, differs from vacuum packs by keeping the mince in an inflated ‘pillow’ that prevents compression, ensuring the meat remains in perfect condition.
Tesco Ireland fresh food category director John Brennan said: “Pillow pack packaging uses 68% less plastic and guarantees the same high-quality appearance, and importantly, taste.
“Customers have grown used to these packs over recent months and can now expect to see this packaging on all mince products across our 175 stores. The plastic reduction element is significant and has the potential to save 76 tonnes of plastic each year.”
Tesco Ireland said it is encouraging customers to recycle the packaging by returning it to the store’s front-of-store recycling units along with other soft plastics.
This latest packaging innovation underscores Tesco’s ongoing efforts to minimise packaging waste.
Tesco Ireland sustainability head Andy McGregor said: “Where we need packaging, because it serves a clear purpose like reducing food waste or to protect a product in transit, we do our best to ensure that what we do use is from sustainable sources and where possible, goes on to be reused or recycled.
“We are committed to reducing all unnecessary packaging, and by 2025 our packaging will be fully recyclable, and all paper and board used will be 100% sustainable.”
Earlier this year, Tesco launched tubeless kitchen foil in the UK, a move that is expected to eliminate the need for 12.5 million cardboard rolls each year.
