Tesco to offer recyclers 'green' ClubCard points

by James Quilter, Marketing 28-Nov-06, 08:30

LONDON - Tesco is planning to put its ClubCard loyalty scheme at the forefront of its environmental strategy by rewarding customers with points when they recycle packaging including cans and bottles.

The retailer is currently testing automated recycling machines at its Cheshunt store, where customers can swipe their ClubCards to claim points.

The machines sort materials including cans, cartons, paper and bottles, which are crushed. Tesco said it would be looking to introduce the machines in the New Year.

In August, the retailer rolled out an initiative to award "green" ClubCard points to shoppers who re-use carrier bags. Tesco said it aimed to reduce the number of bags it gave away from 4bn to 1bn by 2008.

The chain ran a substantial ad campaign to support the initiative featuring stars including Frankie Dettori and Ronnie Corbett.

In May, Tesco launched a "community plan", in which it promised to use wind turbines, stock biodegradable bags and redesign Tesco Express store fascias to better suit their surroundings.

Tesco's environmental credentials have been criticised by Friends of the Earth, which said the retailer's biodegradable bags were made of oil, while its energy needs, which it said would fall by 2010, are still rising due to expansion.

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