Tesco allows consumers to dump packaging in-store

by James Quilter, Brand Republic 01-Apr-09, 09:45

LONDON - Tesco is trialling a service allowing customers to discard unwanted packaging from products they have just bought at recycling points in stores.

The trial will run in two stores -- Guildford in Surrey and Ilminster in Somerset -- for six weeks from today. Any packaging to be handed over will be recycled.

Tesco said consumers might have to keep the packaging of certain products that either contained vital information about ingredients or were needed for regulatory reasons.

Tesco has over 3,500 recycling and packaging reduction projects on the go. A Local Government Association survey found Tesco used the lowest amount of packaging on its products compared to other retailers.

A separate survey by corporate consultancy Good Business found nearly 70% of consumers would be more likely to buy products with reduced packaging.

However Tesco's recycling schemes have met with mixed success. Last month it was forced rto educe the number of Green ClubCard points available on its automated recycling machines after it discovered customers were cutting up items to receive more points.

Comments

John Gallen - 01/04/2009

About time this type of recycling got started in this part of the world. They've been doing it in Germany for years. But, I wonder what Kellog's would make of it when all the packaging is removed - essentially the branded box - and your left with just an blank opaque bag of crunchy nut in your press. Is it time to start branding the inner bag?

Caroline Garbis - 01/04/2009

I saw an article on TV about this a week or so ago about the German supermarket receptacles in-store for discarded packaging. Surely the best method is to take all the packaging home, enjoy the pretty pictures and product description, then return the packaging on your return visit to the store and recycle them before the next shop. Of course, one will also be armed with all the previous week's plastic bags for re-use as well! This is a great topical issue which will only grow in appeal as we all re-educate ourselves and recycle.

Mike Page - 01/04/2009

Hang on a mo!

Great idea, but launching today.... 1 April...

Can you imagine the hoards of shoppers dumping the cardboard boxes from their cornflakes as they leave the shop. It'll be chaos.

Matt Wardle - 08/04/2009

I think Tesco have missed the point. Most consumers are not going to go to the effort of discarding packaging on site, post shop. I think the onus is on Tesco and other 'Mega Chains' to put pressure on companies to streamline their packaging. John: I think your halfway there with your 'Brand the Bags' suggestion.