The confectionery range has launched the new initiative with the Rhug Estate farm shop in Corwen, Denbighshire. This is phase one of the roll-out for Calico, with the second due in April/May.
The new bags are manufactured from sustainably sourced trees, which are converted into pulp and then a liquid cellulose solution. This is then made into a transparent solid film, which is coated and cut to size.
Blue Planet
Managing director Nigel Baker was inspired to make this game-changing move after watching the BBC TV programme Blue Planet and being appalled by how much plastic ended up in the world’s oceans.
“The move away from single-use plastic is an issue that we started to address internally at Calico Cottage in 2017. We are hugely passionate about this and have been working long hours to come up with a solution using a range of technologies, and I am proud that we have brought it to market so quickly,” he said.
“Along with our packaging supplier and some key customers, we are launching a home compostable bag with compostable labels and adhesives, which will also biodegrade in sea water. We decided to take this step proactively, with a significant investment rather than wait for our customers to ask for it.
First step
“It’s a first step for us and can eliminate around 80% of our single-use plastic packaging, but we won’t be satisfied until this number hits 100%, which is a huge challenge.”
Lord Newborough, owner of the Rhug Estate, said: “We are thrilled here at the Rhug to be the first farm shop in Wales to convert to Calico Cottage sustainable packaging.”
Rhug Estate is one of several UK-wide launch partners, which also include ZSL Whipsnade; ZSL London Zoo; Twycross Zoo; Blue Diamond Garden Centres; Kew Gardens; Chester Zoo; Dudley Zoological Garden; The British Museum and Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.