Tag: Asda

In a bid to cut out plastic and unnecessary packaging, Asda has joined forces with some of the UK’s best known household brands to launch refill stations its first ‘test and learn’ sustainability store in its heartland of Leeds.

From May, the Leeds based store will follow in the footsteps on Waitrose Unpacked and become the first Asda in the UK where shoppers can bring their own containers and fill up on products such as Asda’s own-brand coffee, rice and pasta as well as Kellogg’s cereals such as Coco Pops and Rice Krispies and Unilever’s PG Tips tea.

The trial will last for 3 months and customer’s feedback will be monitored. If all goes well, the initiative will be rolled out to more stores around the country.

The move is part of Asda’s commitments to reduce the amount of plastic it uses. Already, back in September 2019, Asda started to sell plastic-free herbs, using a paper sleeve to protect the herbs.  In this trial sustainability store, the supermarket will also offer plastic-free flowers and loose produce with items such as cucumbers and mushrooms being sold without plastic packaging.

In addition to the new Asda refill stations, there will also be a range of new recycling facilities, including a reverse vending machine for plastic bottles and cans (similar to the ones trialled at Tesco and Iceland), hanger recycling and a deposit box for unwanted small plastic toys.

Roger Burnley, CEO of Asda, said: “We’re on an ongoing quest to remove and reduce the amount of plastic in our business – and to find new ways to help our customers to reuse and refill our products. It’s a journey we can’t go on alone, which is why we invited our suppliers to innovate with us and I’m delighted that household names like Kellogg’s and Unilever have joined us in testing new ideas and approaches to sustainability at our Middleton store.

“Over the coming weeks and months we will be testing and learning from the customers in Middleton to understand how we can reduce our environmental impacts whilst still maintaining the great service and quality our customers demand. Our first priority will be to look at how we can reduce and remove plastic and I am excited to learn from our customers and see where this journey will take us.”

Asda aims to make all packaging of its own brand products – of whatever material – 100% recyclable by 2025.

Asda has repackaged its entire range of fresh living herbs to be plastic-free. All of Asda’s living herbs, currently sold in a plastic pot with a plastic wrap, will be moving into a new, more sustainable container called a ‘plug’.

The plastic wrap will also be replaced by a paper sleeve to protect the herbs, making the entire product plastic-free, which will save 45.6 tonnes of plastic each year.

Asda’s plastic-free herb range will be available from the end of September and includes seven different herbs:

· Rosemary
· Thyme
· Coriander
· Basil
· Mint
· Flat Parsley
· Curly Parsley

In addition, Asda aims to become the first supermarket to move its entire own brand fresh ready meal range into fully recyclable packaging by 2025.

“Over 130 million of our ready meals are purchased each year by our customers, so this change to packaging means customers don’t have to prioritise plastic reduction over grocery decision making, ensuring they can continue purchasing quality products at great prices, but with the added value of recycle-ready packaging.”- Paul Gillow, Asda’s Vice President of Own-Brand and Commercial Strategy

 

From 3rd November, in-line with the retailer’s ongoing commitment to ‘use less and recycle more’, 97 of Asda’s fresh ready meal lines will move to new ‘Evolve’ by Faerch trays, made from natural cPET – a form of detectable and recyclable plastic. The move will transform 775 tonnes of plastic and 45 million ready meal trays from non-recyclable to recyclable material.

Pictures credit: Asda

Asda is the latest UK supermarket to embrace the plant-based revolution with the launch of vegan burgers and sausages perfect for Summer BBQ.

Fully accredited by the Vegan Society, Asda’s new range of delicious vegan burgers and sausages ensure there’s something for everyone over the summer. From sunny backyard barbecues, to casual al fresco lunches with friends or just as a light evening meal after work, the new vegan range fits seamlessly into any dining occasion with quality, flavoursome products.

As part of the range extension, Asda is introducing three vibrant vegan burgers, ideal for any summer bash. Cooked straight from frozen, the new burger range comprises innovative flavour combinations including; Butternut Squash, Sweet Potatoes & Red Pepper; Edamame, Asparagus & Mint and Beetroot & Sunflower Seeds.

Made using natural ingredients that create bright bursts of colour, the new frozen vegan burgers are the perfect patties for those following meat-free diets.

Andrew Johnston, Asda vegan expert and innovation chef, comments: “We’re committed to catering for the growing number of Asda customers following a vegan diet. The introduction of even more delicious and innovative vegan-friendly foods, ensures everyone can enjoy tasty meal options this summer. Our new range of sausages, burgers and dairy free cheese are packed with flavour and will bring vegan meals to the forefront of the summer season!”

Following the launch of Asda’s Vegan Cheddar earlier this year, the supermarket has also launched additional vegan-friendly versions of the nation’s favourite food – cheese.

Ideal for any cheesy meal, the Grated Cheddar and Grated Mozzarella Alternative are perfect for melting on your flavoursome vegan burger, or sprinkling on a light summer salad.

Asda’s new range of vegan products includes:
· Edamame, Asparagus & Mint Burger – £1.50
· Beetroot & Sunflower Seed Burger – £1.50
· Smoky Butternut Squash & Red Pepper Burger – £1.50
· Butternut Squash, Sweet Potatoes & Red Pepper Sausages – £1.50
· Mushroom & Kale Sausages – £1.50
· Grated Cheddar Alternative – £2.00
· Grated Mozzarella Alterative – £2.00
· Soft Cheese Alternative – £2.00
· 12 Sweet Potato Falafels – £1.50