Asda tests out sustainability store and makes plastics pledge

Asda has opened a new sustainability trial store in Middleton, a suburb of Leeds.

The grocery giant has partnered with the likes of PG Tips, Vimto, Kellogg’s, Radox and Persil for the initiative, which aims to help shoppers reduce, reuse and recycle with ease.

Also of interest: Former Asda boss Andy Clarke talks retail transformation

Asda will use the store to test and learn which elements of its new offer appeal most to customers and can be developed at scale to be potentially rolled out to more locations in 2021.

It will feature Asda’s first reverse vending machine for cans, plastic and glass drinks bottles and a hanger recycling facility that will be rolled out across all stores. A partnership with Pre-Loved, meanwhile, will see the sale of bespoke vintage clothing from “well known brands”.

The retailer has also unveiled a strategy to cut down on single-use plastics, pledging that “greener” products without packaging will not carry a hefty price tag. Further details here.