In a groundbreaking move to reduce plastic waste, Tesco, the UK's largest supermarket chain, has launched a trial to replace plastic stickers on avocados with laser-etched labels. The initiative, which began this month in collaboration with fruit supplier Westfalia, aims to eliminate the use of nearly a million plastic stickers on Tesco's extra-large avocados alone. This innovative approach involves using computer-guided lasers to remove a tiny layer of the avocado's skin in less than a second, leaving a design that communicates essential information such as size or variety to customers.
The trial is currently underway in approximately 270 Tesco stores across south-east England. If customer feedback is positive, the retailer plans to roll out the scheme across its entire network. In addition to the laser-etched labels, Tesco is also testing a switch from plastic trays to more easily recyclable cardboard packaging for some twin-packs of avocados. This change could potentially save more than 20 million pieces of plastic annually, with the potential to increase to 25 million pieces across the pre-packed range.
Tesco's avocado buyer, Lisa Gilbey, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, "We're always looking for innovative ways to reduce the environmental impact of our products and cut down on plastic waste in the home through changes to our packaging. We're really excited to hear customer feedback on our new laser-etched avocados, avoiding the need for a barcode sticker that can easily be forgotten and left on when recycling through household food waste." This initiative comes at a time when Tesco has witnessed a 15% year-on-year increase in avocado sales, despite concerns about the fruit's carbon footprint and ethical standards on farms.
Westfalia Fruit, the UK's main avocado supplier based in Spalding, Lincolnshire, has been instrumental in this eco-friendly endeavor. Graham Isaac, the general manager of Westfalia Fruit, commented, "We are confident that, with a clear focus and united effort as an industry, we will be able to significantly reduce our waste, use natural resources responsibly, and protect the environment and biodiversity for all our futures." The company has conducted extensive trials to ensure that the laser etching process does not compromise the quality, shelf life, or taste of the avocados.
Tesco is not the first retailer to explore this technology. The Spanish company Laser Food, which has collaborated with retailers, has also tested laser labeling on various fruits, from coconuts to apples. As consumers become increasingly environmentally conscious, initiatives like these could pave the way for a significant reduction in plastic waste across the food industry.
