Sainsbury's, one of the UK’s largest supermarket chains, has introduced new sustainable packaging across its in-store bakery sections to significantly reduce plastic waste. The initiative replaces the traditional plastic clam-shell packaging used for items such as doughnuts and pastries with eco-friendly cardboard and paper alternatives, cutting down on plastic use by over 560 tonnes per year.

This move is part of a larger effort by Sainsbury's to meet its sustainability goals of reducing plastic across its operations by 50% by 2025. Notably, the new packaging for doughnuts consists of card boxes with a small window, while twin pastries, croissants, and cinnamon swirls have switched to paper bags. These changes result in a 90% reduction in plastic waste in the bakery section.

The in-store bakery bread products are also seeing a shift, with a 60% reduction in plastic use through the removal of full plastic bags for loaves, baguettes, and batons. These items will now be packaged in paper bags with a small plastic window, which can easily be separated and recycled. This packaging change alone is expected to eliminate an additional 152 tonnes of plastic waste annually.

Sainsbury’s latest steps align with growing consumer demand for sustainable practices and environmentally friendly packaging solutions. The supermarket chain has been gradually making changes to its packaging, including the removal of plastic from other grocery categories such as mushrooms and ready meals.

These efforts reflect a broader commitment to reducing the environmental impact of packaging, making Sainsbury’s a leader in the retail sector's sustainability initiatives. The retailer's continuous efforts to innovate in packaging design are paving the way for a more sustainable shopping experience for consumers.