Which? Study Finds UK Supermarkets Could Do Better To Help Improve Recycling Rates

June 22, 2019: 12:00 AM EST

A study from Which?, the UK consumer campaigning group, found that almost half of packaging in items sold (primarily online) by the UK’s 11 supermarket chains can’t be easily recycled. Morrisons fared worst, and Tesco and Waitrose had the most items that could be recycled easily, but improvement was needed from all. It also found that recycling labels could be better, and 42% of packaging was either labeled incorrectly or not at all. Which? says that it’s not only about the use of plastic, but the type of plastic used: black plastic containers are not recyclable, and clear plastic bottles are more easily recycled than Tetra Paks. Many pizzas are still sold with non-recyclable polystyrene bases, and grease contamination of the cardboard packaging means that can’t be recycled either. Which? has made five key recommendations: make labeling clear and accurate; avoid unnecessary single-use plastic packaging; eliminate the use of black plastic PET trays; provide in-store plastic bag collection points; and offer products loose, where possible.[Image Credit: © Which?]

Vicki Crowe , "Almost half of supermarket packaging isn’t easily recyclable, Which? Finds", Which?, June 22, 2019, © Which?

Domains

RETAIL BUSINESS
Other
Trends

Geographies

Worldwide
EMEA
Europe
United Kingdom

Which? Study Finds UK Supermarkets Could Do Better To Help Improve Recycling Rates

Domains

Geographies

Categories

See also: