Tesco introduces laser-labeled avocados to reduce plastic use

Britain's largest supermarket chain is betting on laser technology to label avocados, eliminating adhesive labels and plastic trays in an environmentally friendly initiative.

Tesco, Britain's largest supermarket chain, has implemented innovative laser technology to engrave essential consumer information directly onto the skin of avocados. This measure not only reduces waste by eliminating adhesive labels and replacing plastic trays with cardboard packaging, but also preserves the fruit's quality, shelf life, and flavor. The initiative is currently being piloted in 270 stores in southeast England.

In collaboration with Westfalia Fruit, its main avocado supplier in the UK, Tesco hopes to roll out this technology to all its stores if it receives a positive customer response. Full implementation could result in annual savings of over 20 million plastic trays and nearly one million plastic labels, based on current avocado sales. This collaboration aims to promote more sustainable practices and reduce the retail sector's environmental impact.

In addition to laser-labeled avocados, Tesco and other retailers are exploring various strategies to reduce plastic use and encourage more environmentally friendly practices. From eliminating plastic mushroom tubs to selling label-free Sprite bottles, Tesco is committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, encompassing all its operations, products, and supply chains. This initiative is another step toward a sustainable future, aligned with global efforts to reduce the retail sector's environmental impact.

Source: freshplaza.es