Co-op teams with Bunzl Retail Supplies as part of convenience retailer's move away from single-use plastic

Co-op has partnered with Bunzl Retail Supplies to help tackle shopfloor waste and save 132 tonnes of plastic annually in its 2,400 stores.

In what is pitched as a retailer first move, it is rolling out new shroud coverings for existing backhaul waste cages.

This will see Co-op moving away from single use stretch-wrap plastic film typically used for cages, which hold shopfloor waste, such as packaging and cardboard. 

The reusable shrouds, which have an expected lifespan of up to five years, are made from recycled plastic and are wrapped around the waste cages via Velcro straps to hold all the contents securely, without the possibility of loose waste falling from the cages.

By removing the need for plastic film wrap and cardboard inner tubes, the solution is expected to save 132 tonnes of plastic and 19 tonnes of paper in its first year, increasing in year two to 176 tonnes of plastic and 19 tonnes of paper saved.

Rebecca Lees, Supply and Logistics Implementation Manager at Co-op, says: “We’re committed to reducing our carbon footprint wherever possible and we're happy to be working with Bunzl in removing unnecessary single-use plastic from our cages, and introducing this innovation to our shop floors.”

“Not only does this move contribute towards our sustainability goals, but it also makes life for our store colleagues easier and the initial feedback from stores is overwhelmingly positive, which is great to hear”.

Katie Bradbury, Director of Sustainability at Bunzl Retail Supplies, says: “This is a fantastic example of how sustainable innovation can directly reduce environmental impacts.”

“We strive to utilise our sourcing capabilities and product expertise to provide robust, easy to use solutions. This collaborative project with Co-op demonstrates the environmental benefits possible when reusable solutions are embraced.”