U.K. Retailer Wants Plastic-Free Produce Aisles
Marks & Spencer stores will introduce plastic-free packaging among 90 produce offerings.
Jan 22, 2019
LONDON – Marks & Spencer, a U.K. retailer, is introducing plastic-free aisles in the produce section of its stores. According to The Telegraph, a trial run in the brand’s Tolworth store was successful enough that the company is launching more than 90 lines of loose fruit and vegetables that are free of all plastic packaging. The trial will also include trained green-grocer staff to assist customers.
The plastic-free produce includes hard fruit and vegetables such as potatoes and bananas. Berries and soft fruits will be sold in compostable punnets. If successful, the concept will be rolled out across the U.K. and may expand to “additional lines of produce, replacing plastic produce bags with paper ones and phasing out plastic barcode stickers in favor of eco-friendly alternatives.” These actions would save 580 tons of waste over just two years.
"Our trial at Tolworth is an important milestone in our plastic reduction journey and bringing back the traditional green grocer will play a key part in educating our customers,” said Louise Nicholls, head of food sustainability at M&S.
According to The Telegraph, green grocers will help customers pick and weigh their products and share best practices on how to preserve fresh produce and prevent food waste.
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