Grocers going green in the UK

Large grocery chains in Great Britain are stressing their environmental credentials to win a more educated and environmentally aware consumer base. Whatever their motive may be, the trend is changing the face of the giants and the companies supplying them.

Wm Morrison has introduced recyclable packing for some own-brand products and has the highest proportion of seasonal UK vegetables of any UK supermarket. 72 % of all store-generated waste is recycled.
 
Tesco (picture) is to invest close to 150 million Euro into the fund to develop renewable energy.

Sainsbury’s has spent 22 million Euro on energy-efficient projects since 2002 with another seven million to come this year. All ready meals are moved to compostable packaging by the end of next year. It also intends to install recycling centres in as many stores as possible. Carbon emissions from its sites have been reduced by 20 %. The company has set as target to source 70 % of organic food that can be grown in the UK to come from there.

Tesco is cutting carrier bags and aims to reduce the number of bags given out by 25 % in two years and states that all bags are to become biodegradable. Deliveries to stores are to be reduced to cut congestion and to make deliveries quieter. Regional counters are to be introduced in stores to promote local produce. Open days are hosted for regional producers to meet buyers.

Waitrose has a strong commitment to sourcing fish from sustainable sources. GM ingredients are not used in any own-branded food products.

Marks & Spencer confirms that all coffee and tea sold is “Fair-trade”, the same goes for in-store-restaurants and staff canteens. All food is made with no GM ingredients and by using free-range eggs. It was rated as best UK retailer on supporting sustainable fishing (Marine Conservation Society and Greenpeace). For smoothie bottles and salad packs, between 20 % and 50 % recycled plastic are used.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk