Tesco shoppers might soon spot a new twist to product labelling in the fruit and veg section, a move that could help the supermarket giant eradicate millions of plastic pieces. The small plastic barcode labels, which have long been a fixture in UK supermarkets, could be swapped out for lasers if the trial proves successful.
In several of its outlets, Tesco has kicked off a trial of engraving barcodes into its avocados using a potent laser – an initiative that would replace fruit barcode stickers with a straightforward, environmentally friendly laser etching.
The lasers strip away a thin layer of the product’s skin to create the barcode effect, which customers can then scan at any of the supermarket’s checkouts. Westfalia Fruit, Tesco’s avocado supplier, stated that avocados are ideal for this laser trial due to their robust outer skin.
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A computer programme guides the lasers to imprint size information onto the avocados, with the process taking just a fraction of a second. Once lasered, the avocados essentially sport a tattoo on their skin displaying information for customers and cashiers, such as the size or variety of the fruit.
Westfalia Fruit has conducted extensive trials to ensure that the quality, shelf life and taste of the popular salad item is not impacted by the laser etchings.
Tesco is making a bold move to slash plastic waste by trialling laser engravings on its avocados and testing recyclable cardboard packaging, in response to the soaring demand for the fruit which has risen by 15% over the past year. Selling a staggering nearly 70 million avocados annually, the supermarket giant is starting with the larger variety for maximum visibility.
The trial will initially roll out in approximately 270 Tesco stores across South-East England, and if customer feedback is positive, it could be expanded to all branches. This initiative is part of a collaboration with Westfalia Fruit, the UK’s leading avocado supplier located in Spalding, Lincolnshire.
Tesco estimates that this new approach could eliminate more than 20 million pieces of plastic from its twin pack avocados and potentially up to 25 million across its pre-packed range, based on recent sales figures. Additionally, close to one million plastic stickers might be removed from loose extra-large avocados.
Lisa Gilbey, Tesco’s avocado buyer, spoke about the eco-friendly drive: “We’re always looking for innovative ways to reduce the environmental impact of our products, and cut down on plastic waste in the home through changes to our packaging.”
“We’re really excited to hear customer feedback on our new laser-etched avocados, avoiding the need for a barcode sticker that can easily be forgotten and left on when recycling through household food waste.”
Graham Isaac, general manager at Westfalia Fruit, added: “(We) continually seeks ways to improve our environmental performance and operate in a responsible manner, by focusing on priorities such as reducing and wherever possible, removing plastic from our packaging to contribute to solving the plastic waste challenge.”
He further emphasised the collective responsibility towards the environment, adding: “We are confident that, with a clear focus and united effort as an industry, we will be able to significantly reduce our waste, use natural resources responsibly and protect the environment and biodiversity for all our futures.”
Over the past few weeks, these laser-etched avocados have gradually been making their way to Tesco stores across the country. By this weekend, they are expected to be available in all participating stores.
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