Sainsbury’s axes single-use plastic lids to save 220 metric tons of waste

12 Dec 2022 --- Sainsbury’s announces it will be removing single-use plastic lids across its own-brand dip pot ranges in 2023. Starting in March, Sainsbury’s will no longer sell its guacamole, tzatziki, sour cream and chive dip with single-use plastic lids. 

This decision follows the removal of single-use plastic lids on its yogurt, crème fraiche, sour cream, cream, cottage cheese and custard pots. The company predicts that the removal of single-use plastic caps will save 71 million pieces of plastic each year, equating to 220 metric tons of plastic. 

While the removal of the lids will be solidified in March, Sainbirys will start the reduction process this Christmas season. This year’s Sainsbury’s Christmas range will also see the removal of single-use plastic lids, helping save an average of 581,000 pieces of plastic this festive season, states the company.

Reusable option
Sainsbury’s has launched reusable lids, available to purchase across all superstores in England, Scotland and Wales and online for £1.25 (US$1.53). The tops have been created for customers who want a replacement for the plastic for possible freshness or cleanliness reasons. 

Sainsbury’s Christmas range will not have single-use plastic lids. The lids are made of silicone and can be washed by hand or in a dishwasher before being reused. The lids are designed to be compatible with Sainsbury’s own-brand pots and some branded pots such as Yeo Valley, Onken and Alpro. The covers will be available in-store in the dairy aisle. 

Sainsbury’s also announced its commitment to halve its use of its own-brand plastic packaging by 2025.

The news comes as the supermarket chain plans to invest an additional £50 million (US$ 61.3 million) in March 2023 to accelerate its value plan designed to help customers manage the rising cost of living.

Past waste reductions
According to the company, Sainsbury’s recently changed its entire coffee pod range from plastic to aluminum pods, allowing customers to recycle them at home and helping to save over 10 million pieces of plastic each year. 

The company recently launched new double-length toilet rolls, which it states reduce plastic packaging by 30%, 84 metric tons of plastic.

Sainsbury’s has also previously implemented a cost for its single-use bags. It began as a 5p (US$0.06) bag charge but doubled to 10p (US$0.12) after promising results and extended to all retailers in May. 

Meanwhile, the supermarket is aiding recycling collection efforts by setting up drop-off points at stores throughout the UK and has been since 2021. The collection points are set up in its supermarkets for flexible plastics to make recycling easier for its customers.

Edited by Sabine Waldeck