Iceland’s vac-packs to reduce plastic by 35T a year

Following a successful 12-week trial in 50 stores across the UK earlier this year, the airtight packaging will be introduced into more than 1,000 Iceland stories nationwide.

The new vacuum packs will replace the plastic trays that Iceland Foods had been using, which will see the shelf life of its beef mince increase by around two and half weeks.

The alternative packaging is also being rolled out across its pork mince at the same time, in what the retailer says is a ‘supermarket first’.

The design of the pack also creates efficiencies in transportation and plastic waste, with more items able to be transported via a single truck and 50% less plastic needed to make the packaging compared to the traditional trays.

As a result, the supermarket says it will see an annual reduction of approximately 35 tonnes of plastic.

Zach Nowell, category buying manager for Fresh Meat and Poultry at Iceland Foods said the introduction of the new packaging has been a result of ‘listening’ to what is important to today’s consumers.

“Our new vacuum-packaged beef mince means our customers are getting the same quality-assured beef mince they love, but with an even longer shelf life. We’re thrilled to also be leading the way as the first UK supermarket to roll out this packaging for pork mince,” ​Nowell added.

“Now more than ever it’s important for families to get the best value for money when doing their weekly shopping, and our new packaging offers a wider selection of longer-lasting quality products.”​

In other news, Morrisons and Hovis have had to recall their crumpets after fears of metal contamination.​​