Sainsbury’s avocado packaging switch to save 20 million pieces of plastic annually

Sainsbury's has introduced new paper and bamboo netting packaging for its avocados.

Sainsbury’s has announced a major step in its sustainability efforts, switching its own-brand twin-pack avocado packaging from plastic to paper. The change, which will save 20.2 million pieces of plastic annually once fully rolled out, begins with a trial across 77 supermarkets.

The new food packaging features paper with bamboo netting, providing a fully recyclable solution that customers can dispose of at the kerbside. Initially available in select stores, the switch forms part of Sainsbury’s broader goal to reduce its brand plastic packaging by 50 percent by 2025.

Claire Hughes, Director of Product and Innovation at Sainsbury’s, said, “Switching to paper packaging across our Ripe & Ready Avocados twin pack is one of the many steps we are taking to fulfil our commitment towards a greener future. The initiative reflects our continuous efforts to help develop more sustainable and innovative packaging solutions, and we’re excited for our customers to try out the new packaging in-store.”

If the trial is successful, a wider rollout of the paper packaging is expected later this year, both in-store and online. To coincide with the launch, customers can purchase the by Sainsbury’s Ripe & Ready Avocados twin pack for £1.35, offering a saving of 30p for Nectar cardholders until 25 January.

Latest packaging initiatives

As part of its broader sustainability strategy to cut down on plastic usage, Sainsbury’s has implemented various initiatives over the last year including changes to the packaging of its Taste the Difference berries and cherries, mushroom punnets, bakery items and fish and chicken.

Furthermore, the supermarket giants also launched its ‘Good to Know’ logo back in April to help customers identify products with improved packaging or components such as those with reduced plastic packaging. The new logo is aimed to raise awareness and make it easier for customers to understand Sainsbury’s work to support sustainability, animal welfare and communities.