waste packaging report - wave 3 - final compressed · class. a number of retailers have signed up...
TRANSCRIPT
war on waste
food packaging study: wave 3
War on Waste 3
Prepared for: Local Government Association
Prepared by: Angela Charlton, Claire Bassett, Eleni Romanou BMRB Social
Telephone: 020 8433 4404 Email: [email protected]
Part of BMRB Limited (British Market Research Bureau) BMRB/CB/45106324
BMRB is ISO9001:2000 and ISO 20252 accredited.
BMRB is also a member of the London Remade environment scheme and is working with the Woodland Trust to
offset the paper used in the course of our business.
Printed on 100% recycled paper
Table of Contents
Executive Summary .................................................................................................................. i 1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................... ii 1.1 Research Background..............................................................................................ii 1.2 Research objectives and method .............................................................................iv 1.3 Structure of report.................................................................................................vi 2 Asda ............................................................................................................................... 1 2.1 Data .................................................................................................................... 1 2.2 Shopping basket from ASDA ................................................................................... 3 2.3 Total waste produced by ASDA................................................................................ 3 2.4 Rubbish produced by ASDA..................................................................................... 4 2.5 Recyclable waste produced by ASDA ........................................................................ 4 3 CO-OP............................................................................................................................. 5 3.1 Data .................................................................................................................... 5 3.2 Shopping basket from Co-op................................................................................... 7 3.3 Total waste produced by Co-op ............................................................................... 7 3.4 Rubbish produced by Co-op .................................................................................... 8 3.5 Recyclable waste produced by Co-op........................................................................ 8 4 Lidl ................................................................................................................................. 9 4.1 Data .................................................................................................................... 9 4.2 Shopping basket from Lidl .....................................................................................11 4.3 Total waste produced by Lidl ..................................................................................11 4.4 Rubbish produced by Lidl.......................................................................................12 4.5 Recyclable waste produced by Lidl ..........................................................................12 5 Marks and Spencer ......................................................................................................... 13 5.1 Data ...................................................................................................................13 5.2 Shopping basket from Marks and Spencer ...............................................................15 5.3 Total waste produced by Marks and Spencer ............................................................16 5.4 Rubbish produced by Marks and Spencer.................................................................16 5.5 Recyclable waste produced by Marks and Spencer ....................................................17 6 Morrisons....................................................................................................................... 18 6.1 Data ...................................................................................................................18 6.2 Shopping basket from Morrisons.............................................................................20 6.3 Total waste produced by Morrisons .........................................................................20 6.4 Rubbish produced by Morrisons ..............................................................................21 6.5 Recyclable waste produced by Morrisons .................................................................21 7 Sainsbury’s .................................................................................................................... 22 7.1 Data ...................................................................................................................22 7.2 Shopping basket from Sainsburys...........................................................................24 7.3 Total waste produced by Sainsburys .......................................................................25 7.4 Rubbish produced by Sainsburys ............................................................................25 7.5 Recyclable waste produced by Sainsburys................................................................26 8 Tesco ............................................................................................................................ 27 8.1 Data ...................................................................................................................27 8.2 Shopping basket from Tesco ..................................................................................29 8.3 Total waste produced by Tesco...............................................................................29 8.4 Rubbish produced by Tesco....................................................................................30 8.5 Recyclable waste produced by Tesco .......................................................................30 9 Waitrose ........................................................................................................................ 31 9.1 Data ...................................................................................................................31 9.2 Shopping basket from Waitrose ..............................................................................33 9.3 Total waste produced by Waitrose ..........................................................................33 9.4 Rubbish produced by Waitrose ...............................................................................34 9.5 Recyclable waste produced by Waitrose...................................................................34 10 Indexing .................................................................................................................... 35 11 Overall Analysis .......................................................................................................... 39 12 Conclusions and recommendations ................................................................................ 41 13 Appendix.................................................................................................................... 43 Copyright: survey findings and deliverables are normally intended for use within the Client's organisation or
its consultants and other associate organisations such as advertising agencies. Should the Client intend
wider circulation of the survey findings and deliverables, the Client should inform BMRB prior to such
disclosure and agree the form and content with BMRB. The client should acknowledge BMRB as the source of
the information with wording acceptable to BMRB.
BMRB Report: 45106324 War on Waste Wave 3 i
Executive Summary
Each year the UK generates about 25 million tonnes of waste from households, a
large proportion of which ends up in landfill. Britain dumps more household waste
into landfill than most other countries in the European Union (around two-thirds
of its municipal waste goes to landfill; only Portugal and Greece put more there).
The objective of this research is to inform the Local Government Association’s
‘War on Waste’ campaign, which seeks to address the amount of rubbish
produced and the way in which it is thrown away. This study will monitor food
packaging levels in terms of amount of packaging and composition of that
packaging (for example, whether the packaging is recyclable). This report
describes the findings of the third wave of the survey.
A range of common food items (29 items), representing a regular shopping
basket were purchased from eight retailers (ASDA, Co-op, Lidl, Marks and
Spencer, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose). The addition of the Co-op
and Waitrose in this third wave of the research replaced the high street and the
Market in previous waves.
As at previous waves analysis involved recording the total weight of the product
and recording the total weight of the packaging. The component parts of the
packaging were weighed separately to measure the proportion of packaging that
was recyclable or rubbish. In addition to this any information about the packaging
given on the labels was noted. Photographs of the shopping baskets were taken
before analysis and of the piles of waste created.
• The total weight of packaging per basket ranged from 645.5 grams to 802.5
grams with an average weight of 727.0 grams.
• The proportion of waste that was recyclable ranged from 57.83% to 66.81%
with an average of 63.27%.
• The Co-op provided the most information about what packaging was made
from, with symbols on 16 of the 29 items.
• Marks and Spencer had most items labelled as having recycled content in
their packaging; four of the 29 items were in wrapping labelled as being made
from recycled materials.
• Marks and Spencer provided the most information about whether packaging
was recyclable clearly stating this on 18 of the 29 items, although the Co-op
used the mobius loop or recyclable steel symbol on 17 items.
BMRB Report: 45106324 War on Waste Wave 3 ii
1 Introduction
1.1 Research Background
Each year the UK generates about 25 million tonnes of waste from households1, a
large proportion of which ends up in landfill. Britain dumps more household waste
into landfill than most other countries in the European Union (around two-thirds
of its municipal waste goes to landfill; only Portugal and Greece put more there2).
By reducing landfill and increasing the amount of waste that is recycled,
composted or has energy recovered in some way, there is considerable scope for
reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the waste we produce3. The Defra Waste
Strategy for England 2007 proposes a vision of shared responsibility between
producers (to use more recycled materials and to design less wasteful products),
retailers (to reduce packaging and to source and market products that are less
wasteful) consumers (to generate less waste and separate products for recycling)
local authorities (to provide recycling facilities for their residents) and the waste
management industry (to invest in facilities to recycle and recover waste). One of
the two sectors identified in the Waste Strategy as a priority for further action
was the food and retail sector. This report focuses on waste from the food and
retail sector and, in particular, food packaging.
The Waste Framework Directive (WFD) currently defines waste as “any substance
or object which the holder discards or intends or is required to discard”. Waste
from packaging of household goods is estimated to be around 5 million tonnes
per annum4 and is predicted to continue to rise. Although some reduction in the
weight of individual items of packaging has been achieved since 1998 through the
implementation of a Packaging Directive, there is still a problem of excessive
packaging around many products. Despite improvements in levels of recovery
1 ‘Municipal Waste Management Statistics 2007/08, Statistical Release 452/08’ from the Defra website on 11 February 2009,
www.defra.gov.uk/environment/statistics/wastats/bulletin08.htm
2 ‘Key Facts about Waste and Recycling: Municipal Waste Management in the European Union 2003’ from Defra website on 11 February 2009, www.defra.gov.uk/environment/statistics/waste/kf/wrkf08.htm
3 Defra Waste Strategy for England 2007 from website on 11 February 2009,
http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/waste/strategy/index.htm
4 ‘Key Facts about Waste and Recycling: Recycling and Recovery from Packaging 1998-2005, England’ from Defra website on 11 February 2009, www.defra.gov.uk/environment/statistics/waste/kf/wrkf17.htm
BMRB Report: 45106324 War on Waste Wave 3 iii
and recycling of packaging waste in recent years there is still a significant amount
(around 40 per cent5) of packaging waste that is not recycled or recovered.
Packaging makes up almost one fifth of all household waste and it is estimated
that around five million tonnes of annual household rubbish come from
packaging6. Whilst packaging is often in place to contain and protect goods from
damage, to prolong shelf-life, offer convenience or easy use, allow efficient
transport distribution, inform the consumer and help to promote goods, it also
has the potential for creating large amounts of waste.
Research by the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) suggests that
consumers are becoming more aware of the packaging around the products they
buy but at the same time they are attracted by luxurious packaging and often
choose packaged goods over loose.7 Although domestic recycling rates are on the
increase, from 5.8 million tonnes in 2004/05 to nearly 8.7 million tonnes in
2007/088 even recyclable packaging still needs processing and in an ideal
situation, there would be less packaging to recycle or dispose of in the first
instance.
As part of the implementation of the Waste Strategy for England 2007, the
Government intends to amend producer responsibility regulations in order to
minimise packaging, including setting optimal packaging standards for a product
class. A number of retailers have signed up to the Courtald Commitment to
reduce household food and packaging waste, informing customers about
packaging on their labels (e.g. whether or not materials can be recycled or
composted, or whether they are biodegradable).
5 ‘Key Facts about Waste and Recycling: Recycling and Recovery from Packaging 1998-2005, England’ from Defra website on 11 February 2009, www.defra.gov.uk/environment/statistics/waste/kf/wrkf17.htm
6 ‘Tougher laws and serious fines are needed to crackdown on excessive packaging – Local Government Association’, LGA News Release on 27 April 2007, from LGA website on 11 February 2009, www.lga.gov.uk/lga/core/page.do?pageId=41791
7 ‘Consumer attitudes to packaging’ from the Industry Council for Packaging and the Environment website on 11 February 2009,
www.incpen.org/pages/data/Consumerattitudestopackagingsurvey.pdf
8 ‘Municipal Waste Management Statistics 2007/08, Statistical Release 352/08’ from the Defra website on 11 February 2009,
www.defra.gov.uk/environment/statistics/wastats/bulletin08.htm
BMRB Report: 45106324 War on Waste Wave 3 iv
1.2 Research objectives and method
The objective of this research project is to inform the Local Government
Association’s ‘War on Waste’ campaign, which seeks to address the amount of
rubbish produced and the way in which it is thrown away. This study monitors
food packaging levels in terms of amount of packaging and composition of that
packaging (for example, whether the packaging is recyclable). This report
describes the third wave of the study.
A range of common food items (29 items), representing a regular shopping
basket were purchased from eight retailers (ASDA, Co-op, Lidl, Marks and
Spencer, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose). These were purchased by
four interviewers from across England (Birmingham, Surrey, Essex and Bury) and
couriered to the research team overnight for analysis the following day.
Analysis involved recording the total weight of the product and the total weight of
the packaging. The component parts of the packaging were weighed separately to
measure the proportion of packaging that was recyclable or rubbish9.
For the purposes of this study packaging was defined as either RECYCLABLE i.e.
any material for which recycling facilities are commonly available (e.g. glass, tins,
paper, card, plastic bottles10 and Tetra Pak cartons11), or RUBBISH i.e. would have
to be thrown into the household bin, ending up in landfill. All paper and card was
considered to be potentially recyclable, although in practice if it is contaminated
with food it would become rubbish.
It was noted at this wave that many stores now provide information on their
packaging about whether items are ‘widely recyclable’ or ‘recyclable in some
areas’ using either the recycle icon or text on their packaging. “Widely Recycled”
means 65% of people have access to recycling facilities for these items, “Check
9 Salter electronic kitchen scales (model 1022) with a maximum weight of 3 kilograms measured in 1 gram intervals, and Tanita digital scales (model 1210N) with a range up to 20 grams in 0.002 gram intervals were used for analysis. 10 Plastic bottles were considered to be widely recyclable, since WRAP’s Annual Local Authorities Plastics Collection Survey 2008 showed that, of the UK's 471 local authorities, 92% now offer recycling collection facilities for plastic bottles, ranging from one or two bring sites through to comprehensive kerbside coverage. In fact, 57% of all UK homes have kerbside recycling collections that include plastic bottles.
http://www.wrap.org.uk/manufacturing/info_by_material/plastic/plastics_collection.html on 11 February 2009. 11 Tetra Pak cartons can be recycled in over eight out of ten local authority areas, either through kerbside collections or bring sites, as noted on the Tetra Pak website at www.tetrapakrecycling.co.uk/tp_faqs_consumer.asp on 11 February 2009.
BMRB Report: 45106324 War on Waste Wave 3 v
locally” means 15% - 65% of people have access to recycling facilities for these
items and “Not recycled” means less than 15% of people have access to recycling
facilities for these items12.
For consistency with previous waves this information was not used to categorise
the packaging in this report, but information, where provided on the food items,
is detailed in the data tables throughout the report. Information about what the
packaging was made from was also recorded at this wave. This information has
been added in an additional column in the data tables. As at previous waves
photographs of the shopping baskets were taken before analysis and of the piles
of waste created13.
For consistency interviewers were instructed to purchase all fruit and vegetables
loose where possible, and to only buy pre-packaged goods if the item was not
otherwise available. For meat products, pre-packaged goods were requested, as
not all retailers have delicatessen facilities, so this precaution was taken as a
control to ensure a similar packaging type was purchased from each retailer for
fair comparison. A recommended weight or quantity for each item was also
specified for each item for controlled comparison of packaging weights. The
shopping list can be found in the appendix.
Shoppers were asked to purchase own brand goods where possible, and to
choose the cheapest own brand item available, although other brands were
acceptable if the item was not otherwise available. If an item from the shopping
list was not available in a particular retailer an average score based on results
from other retailers was calculated in order to prevent bias to the total weight of
packaging for that retailer.
Given the variation in the size of the products available across all retailers, the
data has also been analysed based on an index of 100g of each product (details
in chapter 10).
This report is intended as a snapshot of the current levels of packaging on
common food items and in many cases it is not strictly comparable with previous
waves due to the variation in items purchased.
12 “Recycling symbols explained” from the Recycle Now website on 11 February 2009.
http://www.recyclenow.com/why_recycling_matters/recycling_symbols
.html
13 The photographs were taken digitally with a Fujifilm S2 Pro camera using natural light. The captured picture resolution was six million pixels creating files of two to three mega-bytes per image.
BMRB Report: 45106324 War on Waste Wave 3 vi
1.3 Structure of report
Prior to this introduction is an executive summary of the findings. The main body
of the report provides a commentary on the results from each retailer, illustrated
by summary tables of the data and photographs taken during analysis. A
summary chapter and conclusions and recommendations follow. In charts and
tables ‘-’ denotes 0 and ‘*’ denotes a measurement of less than half of one, but
more than 0. All weights are shown to the nearest 0.5 grams unless otherwise
stated.
BMRB Report: 45106324 War on Waste Wave 3 1
2 Asda
2.1 Data
PACKAGING TOTAL RECYCLABLE RUBBISH
ASDA
Weight (g)
Weight (g)
% of total
Weight (g)
% of total
Information on packaging
Avocadoes * - - * 100.0% Sticky
label on each
Potatoes 4.0 - - 4.0 100.0% Plastic bag
Bananas * - - * 100.0% Sticky label
Broccoli - - - - - None
Tray Recyclable
Tomatoes 7.5 - - 7.5 100.0% Plastic
film
Cucumber 1.0 - - 1.0 100.0% Shrink wrap
Grapes 4.5 - - 4.5 100.0%
Plastic bag
Mushrooms - - - - - None
Peppers - - - - - None
Plastic box &
lid
Recyclable
Strawberries 34.5 - - 34.5 100.0% Bubble
wrap
Sausages 5.0 - - 5.0 100.0% Plastic
packet
Not currently recycled
Minced beef 19.0 - - 19.0 100.0% Plastic
tray & film,
Chicken breasts
21.0 - - 21.0 100.0% Plastic
tray & film,
Plastic tray
Check local recycling Lamb chops 15.0 - - 15.0 100.0%
Plastic film
Not currently recycled
Plastic
tray
Salmon 33.0 - - 33.0 100.0% Plastic
film
BMRB Report: 45106324 War on Waste Wave 3 2
Milk 19.0 17.0 89.5% 2.0 10.5%
Plastic bottle &
lid
Sunflower spread
19.0 - - 19.0 100.0% Plastic
tub & lid & wax paper
Stilton 1.5 - - 1.5 100.0% Shrink wrap
Eggs 28.0 28.0 100.0% - - Card
board box
Pizza 47.0 - - 47.0 100.0%
Poly-styrene base, shrink wrap, plastic
bag
Sugar 8.0 8.0 100.0% - -
Paper bag
Raisins 6.0 - - 6.0 100.0% Plastic packet
Multi-pack crisps
32.5 - - 32.5 100.0% Plastic
bag & 14 foil bags
Cookies 3.0 - - 3.0 100.0% Plastic packet
Cornflakes 87.0 80.0 92.0% 7.0 8.0%
Card board box & plastic
bag
Loaf bread 7.0 - - 7.0 100.0% Plastic bag
Baked Beans
49.0 49.0 100.0% - - Tin & Lid
Widely recycled
Tea 30.5 28.0 91.8% 2.5 8.2%
Card board box & plastic
film
Jam 213.0 205.0 96.2% 8.0 3.8% Glass jar
& metal lid
• Asda clearly stated whether packaging was recyclable (in words) on five of
the 29 items; and used the mobius loop on six items.
• Five items showed what the packaging was made from.
• None of the packaging was labelled as made from recycled materials.
• The total weight of packaging from Asda was 695g. 415g was recyclable
(59.71%) and 280g was rubbish.
BMRB Report: 45106324 War on Waste Wave 3 3
2.2 Shopping basket from ASDA
2.3 Total waste produced by ASDA
BMRB Report: 45106324 War on Waste Wave 3 4
2.4 Rubbish produced by ASDA
2.5 Recyclable waste produced by ASDA
BMRB Report: 45106324 War on Waste Wave 3 5
3 CO-OP
3.1 Data
PACKAGING TOTAL RECYCLABLE RUBBISH
CO-OP
Weight (g)
Weight (g)
% of total
Weight (g)
% of total
Information on packaging
Avocadoes * - - * 100.0% N/A - average
Potatoes - - - - - None
Bananas * - - * 100.0% Sticky label
Broccoli 1.5 - - 1.5 100.0% Shrink wrap Plastic Tray
Recyclable
Tomatoes 9.5 - - 9.5 100.0%
Plastic film
Cucumber - - - - - None
Grapes 4.5 - - 4.5 100.0% Plastic zip- lock bag
Mushrooms - - - - - None
Peppers - - - - - None
Tub & lid Strawberries 19.5 - - 19.5 100.0% Bubble
wrap
Plastic Tray
Card sleeve
Sausages 26.0 9.0 34.6% 17.0 65.4%
Plastic film
Minced beef 21.5 - - 21.5 100.0% Plastic Tray, & film
Tray
Film
Chicken breasts
16.0 3.0 18.8% 13.0 81.3%
Card sleeve
Lamb chops 32.5 - - 32.5 100.0%
Plastic tray & film
Plastic Tray
Salmon 20.0 - - 20.0 100.0%
Plastic film
BMRB Report: 45106324 War on Waste Wave 3 6
Milk 21.0 19.0 90.5% 2.0 9.5%
Plastic bottle & lid
Sunflower spread
18.0 - - 18.0 100.0%
Plastic tub & lid
PET Tray
Stilton
19.0
8.5
44.7%
10.5
55.3% Board Sleeve
Eggs 26.0 26.0 100.0% - - Cardboard box
Plastic film
Pizza 82.0 69.0 84.1% 13.0 15.9% Board Box
Sugar 4.0 - - 4.0 100.0%
Plastic bag
Raisins 8.0 - - 8.0 100.0% Plastic bag
Outer bag
Multi-pack crisps
41.0 - - 41.0 100.0% 14
individual bags
Cookies 2.5 - - 2.5 100.0%
Plastic packet
Cardboard box
Cornflakes 87.0 80.0 92.0% 7.0 8.0% Plastic
bag
Plastic bag
Loaf bread 6.0 - - 6.0 100.0%
Tag seal
Baked Beans
50.0 50.0 100.0% - -
Recyclable Steel
Board Cardboard box
Tea 31.5 29.0 92.1% 2.5 7.9%
Plastic film
Jam 214.0 206.0 96.3% 8.0 3.7% Glass jar and metal
lid
Take to bottle bank
• Co-op clearly stated whether packaging was recyclable (in words) on two of
the 28 items; and used the mobius loop or recyclable steel symbol on
seventeen items.
• 16 items showed what the packaging was made from.
• None of the packaging was labelled as made from recycled materials.
• The total weight of packaging from Co-op was 761g. 499.5g was recyclable
(65.64%) and 261.5g was rubbish.
BMRB Report: 45106324 War on Waste Wave 3 7
3.2 Shopping basket from Co-op
3.3 Total waste produced by Co-op
BMRB Report: 45106324 War on Waste Wave 3 8
3.4 Rubbish produced by Co-op
3.5 Recyclable waste produced by Co-op
BMRB Report: 45106324 War on Waste Wave 3 9
4 Lidl
4.1 Data
PACKAGING TOTAL RECYCLABLE RUBBISH
LIDL
Weight (g)
Weight (g)
% of total
Weight (g)
% of total
Information on
packaging
Avocadoes - - - - - None
Potatoes - - - - - None
Bananas * - - * 100.0% Sticky label
Broccoli 3.0 - - 3.0 100.0% Sticky label & cling film
Tomatoes 12.0 - - 12.0 100.0%
Plastic Tray & Lid
Cucumber 2.0 - - 2.0 100.0% Shrink wrap
Grapes 5.0 - - 5.0 100.0%
Plastic bag
Mushrooms 21.0 - - 21.0 100.0% Plastic tray & cling film
Peppers 4.0 - - 4.0 100.0% Plastic packet
Plastic tray & lid
Strawberries 25.0 - - 25.0 100.0% Bubble
Wrap
Sausages 4.0 - - 4.0 100.0% Plastic packet
Minced beef 39.0 - - 39.0 100.0% Plastic tray & film
Plastic Tray
Chicken breasts
21.5 - - 21.5 100.0% Plastic film
Plastic Tray
Lamb chops 39.0 - - 39.0 100.0% Plastic
film
Salmon 22.9 - - 22.9 100.0% N/A Average
BMRB Report: 45106324 War on Waste Wave 3 10
Milk 31.0 29.0 93.5% 2.0 6.5%
Plastic Bottle & lid
Sunflower spread
19.0 - - 19.0 100.0% Plastic
tub & lid, Foil seal
Stilton 8.0 - - 8.0 100.0% Plastic
tray & cover
Eggs 27.0 27.0 100.0% - - Card
board box
Pizza 24.0 - - 24.0 100.0%
Plastic packet
Sugar 7.5 7.5 100.0% - - Paper bag
Raisins 4.0 - - 4.0 100.0% Plastic bag
Multi-pack crisps
41.0 - - 41.0 100.0%
Outer & 12 foil bags
Cookies 2.0 - - 2.0 100.0% Plastic packet
Card board box
Cornflakes 102.0 91.0 89.2% 11.0 10.8% Plastic
bag
Loaf bread 5.5 - - 5.5 100.0% Plastic bag
Baked Beans 55.0 55.0 100.0% - -
Can
Card board box
Tea 26.0 23.0 88.5% 3.0 11.5%
Foil bag
Glass jar
Jam 232.0 220.0 94.8% 12.0 5.2%
Lid
• Lidl did not clearly state whether packaging was recyclable (in words) on any
of the 28 items; but used the mobius loop on ten items.
• Seven items showed what the packaging was made from.
• Two items of the packaging were labelled as made from recycled materials.
• The total weight of packaging from Lidl was 782.5g. 452.5g was recyclable
(57.83%) and 330g was rubbish.
40
97
BMRB Report: 45106324 War on Waste Wave 3 11
4.2 Shopping basket from Lidl
4.3 Total waste produced by Lidl
BMRB Report: 45106324 War on Waste Wave 3 12
4.4 Rubbish produced by Lidl
4.5 Recyclable waste produced by Lidl
BMRB Report: 45106324 War on Waste Wave 3 13
5 Marks and Spencer
5.1 Data
PACKAGING TOTAL RECYCLABLE RUBBISH
M & S
Weight (g)
Weight (g)
% of total
Weight (g)
% of total
Information on
packaging
Avocadoes * - - * 100.0% Sticky labels
Potatoes * - - * 100.0% Sticky labels
Bananas - - - - - None
Broccoli - - - - - None
Tomatoes 4.0 - - 4.0 100.0% Plastic bag
Cucumber 2.0 - - 2.0 100.0% Shrink wrap
Grapes - - - - - None
Mushrooms 18.0 - - 18.0 100.0% Plastic tray & film
Peppers * - - * 100.0% Sticky labels
Plastic tray & lid,
Strawberries 26.0 - - 26.0 100.0%
Bubble wrap
Sausages 2.0 - - 2.0 100.0% Plastic packet
Not Currently Recycled
Plastic tray
Not Currently Recycled
Minced beef
25.0 - - 25.0 100.0% Plastic
film Not Currently Recycled
Chicken breasts
12.0 - - 12.0 100.0% Plastic tray & film
Not Currently Recycled
Plastic tray
Check Local Recycling
Lamb chops
22.0 - - 22.0 100.0% Plastic
film Not Currently Recycled
Salmon 18.0 - - 18.0 100.0% Plastic tray & film
BMRB Report: 45106324 War on Waste Wave 3 14
Plastic bottle
Widely Recycled
Milk 20.0 18.0 90.0% 2.0 10.0%
Plastic Lid
Plastic tub Check Local Recycling
Plastic Lid Check Local Recycling
Sunflower spread
24.0 -
-
24.0
100.0%
Foil Seal Check Local Recycling
Stilton 1.0 - - 1.0 100.0% Shrink wrap Not Currently Recycled
Eggs 25.0 25.0 100.0% - - 100% recycled paper
Cardboard box
Check Local Recycling
Base Check Local Recycling
Pizza 16.0 - - 16.0 100.0% Shrink wrap Not
Currently Recycled
Sugar 7.0 7.0 100.0% - - Wax paper Check Local Recycling
Raisins 4.0 - - 4.0 100.0% Plastic bag Not Currently Recycled
Multi-pack crisps 18.0 - - 18.0 100.0%
Plastic outer bag & 6 individual bags
Not Currently Recycled
50% recycled plastic
Plastic Tray
Not Currently Recycled
Cookies
7.0 - - 7.0 100.0% Plastic packet Not
Currently Recycled
50% recycled paper
Cardboard Box
Widely Recycled
Cornflakes
94.0 86.0 91.5% 8.0 8.5% Plastic bag
Not Currently Recycled
Loaf bread 6.0 - - 6.0 100.0% Plastic bag Check Local Recycling
Baked Beans
58.0 58.0 100.0% - -
Recyclable steel can & lid
Widely Recycled
Cardboard box
Widely Recycled
Tea
28.0 25.0 89.3% 3.0 10.7% Foil bags Not Currently Recycled
20% recycled glass
Jar
Check Local Recycling
Jam
234.0 221.0 94.4% 13.0 5.6%
Metal Lid Check Local Recycling
• Marks and Spencer clearly stated whether packaging was recyclable (in
words) on 18 of the 29 items; and used the mobius loop or recyclable steel
symbol on three items.
• Eight items showed what the packaging was made from.
• Four items of packaging were labelled as made from recycled materials.
BMRB Report: 45106324 War on Waste Wave 3 15
• The total weight of packaging from Marks and Spencer was 671g. 440g was
recyclable (65.57%) and 231g was rubbish.
5.2 Shopping basket from Marks and Spencer
BMRB Report: 45106324 War on Waste Wave 3 16
5.3 Total waste produced by Marks and Spencer
5.4 Rubbish produced by Marks and Spencer
BMRB Report: 45106324 War on Waste Wave 3 17
5.5 Recyclable waste produced by Marks and Spencer
BMRB Report: 45106324 War on Waste Wave 3 18
6 Morrisons
6.1 Data
PACKAGING TOTAL RECYCLABLE RUBBISH
Morrisons
Weight (g)
Weight (g)
% of total
Weight (g)
% of total
Information on
packaging
Avocadoes 1.0 - - 1.0 100.0% Sticky labels
Potatoes - - - - - None
Bananas 3.0 - - 3.0 100.0% Plastic hook
Broccoli - - - - - None
Plastic tray
Check Local Recycling
Tomatoes 10.0 - - 10.0 100.0% Plastic
film Check Local Recycling
Cucumber 1.0 - - 1.0 100.0% Shrink wrap
Grapes - - - - - None
Mushrooms - - - - - None
Peppers - - - - - None
Plastic tray & lid
Strawberries 24.0 - - 24.0 100.0% Bubble
wrap
Plastic tray
Sausages 17.0 - - 17.0 100.0%
Film Plastic
tray Not Currently Recycled
Minced beef 26.0 - - 26.0 100.0% Film Not Currently
Recycled Plastic
tray Check Local Recycling Chicken
breasts 18.0 - - 18.0 100.0%
Plastic Film
Not Currently Recycled
Plastic tray
Lamb chops 37.0 - - 37.0 100.0% Plastic
Film
Plastic tray
Salmon 19.5 - - 19.5 100.0% Plastic
Film
BMRB Report: 45106324 War on Waste Wave 3 19
Milk 21.0 19.0 90.5% 2.0 9.5%
Plastic bottle& lid
Plastic tub & lid
Check Local Recycling Sunflower
spread
18.5
-
-
18.5
100.0% Paper seal Not Currently
Recycled
Stilton 12.5 - - 12.5 100.0% Plastic tray & film
Eggs 27.5 27.5 100.0% - - Cardboard box
Cardboard box
Plastic film Pizza 76.0 66.0 86.8% 10.0 13.2% Polystyrene
base
Sugar 9.0 - - 9.0 100.0% Waxed paper bag
Raisins 6.0 - - 6.0 100.0% Plastic bag Not Currently Recycled
Outer plastic bag
Check Local Recycling Multi-pack
crisps 30.0 - - 30.0 100.0% 12 Foil
packets Not Currently Recycled
Cookies 2.0 - - 2.0 100.0% Plastic packet
Check Local Recycling
Cardboard box
Cornflakes 90.0 83.0 92.2% 7.0 7.8%
Plastic bag
Loaf bread 7.5 - - 7.5 100.0% Plastic bag Check Local Recycling
Baked Beans
51.0 51.0 100.0% - - Can Widely Recycled
Cardboard box
Widely Recycled Tea 29.0 27.0 93.1% 2.0 6.9%
Plastic film Check Local Recycling
Jam 213.0 205.0 96.2% 8.0 3.8% Glass jar & metal lid
• Morrisons clearly stated whether packaging was recyclable (in words) on ten
of the 29 items; and used the mobius loop on six items.
• Four items showed what the packaging was made from.
• None of the packaging was labelled as made from recycled materials.
• The total weight of packaging from Morrisons was 749.5g. 478.5g was
recyclable (63.84%) and 271g was rubbish.
BMRB Report: 45106324 War on Waste Wave 3 20
6.2 Shopping basket from Morrisons
6.3 Total waste produced by Morrisons
BMRB Report: 45106324 War on Waste Wave 3 21
6.4 Rubbish produced by Morrisons
6.5 Recyclable waste produced by Morrisons
BMRB Report: 45106324 War on Waste Wave 3 22
7 Sainsbury’s
7.1 Data
PACKAGING TOTAL RECYCLABLE RUBBISH
Sainsbury’s
Weight (g)
Weight (g)
% of total
Weight (g)
% of total
Information on
packaging
Avocadoes * - - * 100.0% Sticky label
Potatoes - - - - - None
Bananas * - - * 100.0% Sticky label
Broccoli - - - - - None
Tomatoes 14.0 - - 14.0 100.0% 7PO250 Tray & film
Home compostable
Cucumber 2.0 - - 2.0 100.0% Shrink
wrap Return to large store to recycle
Grapes 4.0 - - 4.0 100.0%
Bag Return to large store to recycle
Mushrooms - - - - - None
Peppers * - - * 100.0% Sticky label
Plastic tub, lid
Check Local Recycling
Strawberries 31.0 - - 31.0 100.0% Bubble
wrap
Sausages 5.0 - - 5.0 100.0%
Plastic packet
Not Currently Recycled
Minced beef 22.0 - - 22.0 100.0% Plastic
tray & film
Chicken breasts
25.0 - - 25.0 100.0% Plastic
tray & film
Lamb chops 22.0 - - 22.0 100.0% Plastic
tray & film
Plastic tray
Check Local Recycling
Salmon 21.0 - - 21.0 100.0% Plastic packet
Not Currently Recycled
BMRB Report: 45106324 War on Waste Wave 3 23
Milk 31.5 29.0 92.1% 2.5 7.9%
Plastic bottle & lid
Sunflower spread
20.0 - - 20.0 100.0%
Plastic tub & lid
Stilton 1.5 - - 1.5 100.0% Shrink wrap
Eggs 24.0 24.0 100.0% - - 95% recycled materials
Card board box
Card base Recyclable Pizza
31.0 25.0 80.6% 6.0 19.4% Plastic film Plastic is recyclable at large stores
Sugar 8.0 8.0 100.0% - -
Paper bag
Raisins 7.0 - - 7.0 100.0% Plastic bag
Multi-pack crisps 28.0 - - 28.0 100.0%
Outer packet & 12 Plastic packets
Not Currently Recycled
Cookies 2.5 - - 2.5 100.0%
Plastic packet
85% recycled board
Box
Check Local Recycling
Cornflakes
91.0 84.0 92.3% 7.0 7.7%
Plastic bag Plastic is recyclable at large stores
Loaf bread 5.0 - - 5.0 100.0%
Bag Plastic is recyclable at large stores
Baked Beans 72.0 72.0 100.0% - -
Recyclable steel can & lid
Widely recycled
Cardboard Box
Tea
28.0 26.0 92.9% 2.0 7.1%
Plastic film
Glass jar Jam
214.0 206.0 96.3% 8.0 3.7%
Steel lid Recyclable
• Sainsbury’s clearly stated whether packaging was recyclable (in words) on
12 of the 29 items; and used the mobius loop or recyclable steel symbol on
thirteen items.
• 14 items showed what the packaging was made from.
• On two items the packaging was labelled as made from recycled materials.
• The total weight of packaging from Sainsbury’s was 709.5g. 474g was
recyclable (66.81%) and 235.5g was rubbish.
BMRB Report: 45106324 War on Waste Wave 3 24
7.2 Shopping basket from Sainsburys
BMRB Report: 45106324 War on Waste Wave 3 25
7.3 Total waste produced by Sainsburys
7.4 Rubbish produced by Sainsburys
BMRB Report: 45106324 War on Waste Wave 3 26
7.5 Recyclable waste produced by Sainsburys
BMRB Report: 45106324 War on Waste Wave 3 27
8 Tesco
8.1 Data
PACKAGING TOTAL RECYCLABLE RUBBISH
Tesco
Weight (g)
Weight (g)
% of total
Weight (g)
% of total
Information on
packaging
Avocadoes * - - * 100.0% Sticky label
Potatoes - - - - - None
Bananas - - - - - None
Broccoli - - - - - None
Tomatoes - - - - - None
Cucumber 1.5 - - 1.5 100.0% Shrink wrap
Grapes 5.0 - - 5.0 100.0%
Plastic bag
Mushrooms - - - - - None
Peppers - - - - - None
Plastic tub
Plastic lid
Strawberries
27.0 - - 27.0 100.0% Bubble
wrap
Sausages 2.5 - - 2.5 100.0% Plastic packet
Plastic tray
Minced beef 19.5 - - 19.5 100.0%
Plastic film
Chicken breasts
18.0 - - 18.0 100.0% Plastic tray & film
Lamb chops 23.0 - - 23.0 100.0% Plastic tray & film
Salmon 23.0 - - 23.0 100.0% Plastic tray & film
BMRB Report: 45106324 War on Waste Wave 3 28
Milk 21.0 19.0 90.5% 2.0 9.5%
Plastic bottle & lid
Widely Recycled
Sunflower spread 20.0 - - 20.0 100.0%
Plastic tub & lid
Stilton 1.5 - - 1.5 100.0% Shrink wrap
Eggs 27.0 27.0 100.0% - - 100% recycled board
Card board box
Polystyrene base
Shrink wrap
Pizza
27.0 11.0 40.7% 16.0 59.3%
Cardboard sleeve
Sugar 3.5 - - 3.5 100.0% Plastic bag
Raisins 6.0 - - 6.0 100.0% Plastic bag
Multi-pack crisps
34.0 - - 34.0 100.0%
Outer plastic bag & 12 individual plastic bags
Cookies 3.0 - - 3.0 100.0% Plastic packet
75% recycled board
Cardboard box
Cornflakes 87.0 80.0 92.0% 7.0 8.0%
Plastic bag Loaf bread 6.5 - - 6.5 100.0% Plastic bag
Baked Beans 51.0 51.0 100.0% - - Can Widely Recycled
Tea 24.5 23.0 93.9% 1.5 6.1% Cardboard
box & plastic film
Jam 214.0 206.0 96.3% 8.0 3.7% Glass Recyclable
• Tesco clearly stated whether packaging was recyclable (in words) on three
of the 29 items; and used the mobius loop on six items.
• Seven items showed what the packaging was made from.
• On two items the packaging was labelled as made from recycled materials.
• The total weight of packaging from Tesco was 645.5g. 417g was recyclable
(64.6%) and 228.5g was rubbish.
BMRB Report: 45106324 War on Waste Wave 3 29
8.2 Shopping basket from Tesco
8.3 Total waste produced by Tesco
BMRB Report: 45106324 War on Waste Wave 3 30
8.4 Rubbish produced by Tesco
8.5 Recyclable waste produced by Tesco
BMRB Report: 45106324 War on Waste Wave 3 31
9 Waitrose
9.1 Data
PACKAGING TOTAL RECYCLABLE RUBBISH
Waitrose
Weight (g)
Weight (g)
% of total
Weight (g)
% of total
Information on
packaging
Avocadoes - - - - - None
Potatoes 5.0 - - 5.0 100.0% Plastic bag
Recyclable
Bananas * - - * 100.0% Sticky label
Broccoli 3.0 - - 3.0 100.0% Shrink wrap
Recyclable
Tomatoes 18.0 - - 18.0 100.0%
Plastic tray & film
Recyclable
Cucumber 2.0 - - 2.0 100.0% Shrink wrap
Grapes 5.0 - - 5.0 100.0% Plastic bag
Mushrooms 15.0 - - 15.0 100.0%
Plastic tub and cling film
Recyclable
Peppers - - - - - None
Strawberries 25.0 - - 25.0 100.0%
Plastic tub & lid & bubble wrap
Recyclable
Sausages 2.0 - - 2.0 100.0% Plastic packet
Minced beef 26.0 - - 26.0 100.0% Plastic
tray & film
Chicken breasts
24.0 - - 24.0 100.0%
Plastic tray, & film
Plastic tray, & film
Recyclable
Lamb chops 31.0 - - 31.0 100.0%
Card sleeve
Recyclable
Salmon 26.0 - - 26.0 100.0% Plastic
tray, & film
BMRB Report: 45106324 War on Waste Wave 3 32
Milk 23.0 21.0 91.3% 2.0 8.7%
Plastic bottle & lid
Plastic tub and lid,
Sunflower spread
27.0
-
-
27.0
100.0%
Paper seal
Stilton 8.0 - - 8.0 100.0% Wax
paper & cling film
Eggs 36.0 36.0 100.0% - - Cardboard box
Card disc Recyclable Pizza 89.5 83.0 92.7% 6.5 7.3% Shrink
wrap
Sugar 5.0 - - 5.0 100.0% Plastic packet
Raisins 6.0 - - 6.0 100.0% Plastic packet
Multi-pack crisps
41.0 - - 41.0 100.0% Foil outer
bag & 12 individual bags
Cookies 2.0 - - 2.0 100.0% Plastic packet
Cardboard box
Recyclable
Cornflakes 87.0 80.0 92.0% 7.0 8.0% Plastic
bag Recyclable
Loaf bread 6.0 - - 6.0 100.0% Plastic bag
Recyclable
Baked Beans
51.0 51.0 100.0% - - Can Recyclable
Cardboard box
Recyclable Tea 28.0 25.0 89.3% 3.0 10.7%
Foil bags Glass jar Recyclable Jam 211.0 203.0 96.2% 8.0 3.8% Lid Recyclable
• Waitrose clearly stated whether packaging was recyclable (in words) on 12
of the 29 items; and used the mobius loop on eight items.
• Four items showed what the packaging was made from.
• None of the packaging was labelled as made from recycled materials.
• The total weight of packaging from Waitrose was 802.5g. 499g was
recyclable (62.18%) and 303.5g was rubbish.
BMRB Report: 45106324 War on Waste Wave 3 33
9.2 Shopping basket from Waitrose
9.3 Total waste produced by Waitrose
BMRB Report: 45106324 War on Waste Wave 3 34
9.4 Rubbish produced by Waitrose
9.5 Recyclable waste produced by Waitrose
BMRB Report: 45106324 War on Waste Wave 3 35
10 Indexing
When shoppers visit the eight retailers it is often not possible to buy exactly the
quantity requested on the shopping list provided, therefore the product size
analysed can vary. For this reason at the third wave a separate evaluation has been
completed to take into account the variation in product size by creating an index of
the amount of waste produced by 100g of product.
This chapter will focus on products where there was a large difference between the
size of product available at the retailers on the day of the third wave of shopping.
A minimum of 250g of cherry tomatoes were purchased from all retailers, although
a pack of this size was not always available.
Tomatoes Asda Co-op
Lidl M&S Morrisons Sainsburys Tesco Waitrose
Product size (g)
250 300 250 365 250 250 282 (loose)
500
Total Packaging (g)
7.5 9.5 12.0 4.0 10.0 14.0 - 18.0
Packaging per 100g product (g)
2.9 2.9 4.5 1.1 3.9 5.4 - 3.4
Tomatoes were available loose in Tesco and in a small plastic bag in Marks and
Spencer so these had the least packaging per 100g of product. In Waitrose only a
500g pack was available in a tub with a total weight of 18g however compared to
the smaller tubs for 250g, this was less packaging per 100g of product than Lidl or
Sainsbury’s, although all of Sainsbury’s packaging on the cherry tomatoes was
home compostable.
Strawberries were purchased in two sizes, 227g and 400g although 400g packs
were requested.
Strawberries
Asda Co-op
Lidl M&S Morrisons Sainsburys Tesco Waitrose
Product size (g)
400 227 227 400 227 400 400 400
Total Packaging (g) 34.5 19.5 25.0 26.0 24.0 31.0 27.0 25.0 Packaging per 100g product (g) 8.31 8.25 10.96 6.31 10.53 7.60 6.41 6.02 The index allows the packaging to be compared more fairly, and demonstrates that
although the Co-op appears to have less packaging than Waitrose at the overall
BMRB Report: 45106324 War on Waste Wave 3 36
summary level, the strawberries from Waitrose have the least packaging per 100g
of product. Lidl had the most packaging per 100g of strawberries.
A minimum of 400g of sausages was requested. In the Co-op a 400g pack was
available but all other stores sold 454g packs.
Sausages Asda Co-op
Lidl M&S Morrisons Sainsbury’s Tesco Waitrose
Product size (g)
454 400 454 454 454 454 454 454
Total Packaging (g)
5.0 26.0 4.0 2.0 17.0 5.0 2.5 2.0
Packaging per 100g product (g)
1.11 6.53 0.87 0.44 3.68 1.16 0.55 0.44
Sausages were available in a small plastic packet in six of the eight retailers and all
of these had less than 1.5g of packaging per 100g of product. For the remaining
two retailers, the Co-op and Morrisons, sausages were packed in a plastic tray, and
in addition the Co-op used a cardboard sleeve to provide the product information,
increasing the amount of packaging on the sausages to 6.53g of packaging per
100g of product.
Although 250g of chicken was requested, pack size again varied greatly between
the retailers.
Chicken Asda Co-op
Lidl M&S Morrisons Sainsbury’s Tesco Waitrose
Product size (g)
628 250 400 257 320 300 298 348
Total Packaging (g) 21.0 16.0 21.5 12.0 18.0 25.0 18.0 24.0 Packaging per 100g product (g) 3.35 6.43 5.24 4.58 5.29 8.12 5.96 6.86 All retailers used a similar packaging format consisting of a plastic tray with a
plastic seal covering. Asda and Marks and Spencer had the least packaging per
100g of chicken whilst Sainsbury’s had the most.
BMRB Report: 45106324 War on Waste Wave 3 37
A minimum of 200g of lamb was requested but there was great variation in the
pack size bought.
Lamb Asda Co-op
Lidl M&S Morrisons Sainsbury’s Tesco Waitrose
Product size (g)
224 450 400 552 206 218 420 420
Total Packaging (g) 15.0 32.5 39.0 22.0 37.0 22.0 23.0 31.0 Packaging per 100g product (g) 6.58 7.33 10.16 3.96 18.05 10.23 5.48 7.36 Lamb varied in pack size from 206g to 552g, while the packaging ranged from 15g
at Asda to 39g at Lidl. The index shows that per 100g of product, Marks and
Spencer had the least packaging for the lamb chops compared to other retailers.
A 12” pizza was requested from all retailers, but the labelled weight of the pizza
given on the packaging ranged from 265g to 772g.
Pizza Asda Co-op
Lidl M&S Morrisons Sainsbury’s Tesco Waitrose
Product size (g)
772 350 430 365 300 509 345 265
Total Packaging (g) 47.0 82.0 24.0 16.0 76.0 31.0 27.0 89.5 Packaging per 100g product (g) 5.15 22.84 5.88 4.26 23.86 6.03 6.87 30.08 The total weight of packaging also had a wide range from 16g at Marks and
Spencer (a tray covered with film) to 89.5g at Waitrose (card base and shrink
wrap). Waitrose also had the most packaging per 100g of product at 30g of
packaging per 100g of pizza.
BMRB Report: 45106324 War on Waste Wave 3 38
125g Stilton was requested, although the quantity received ranged from 100g to
220g.
Stilton Asda Co-op
Lidl M&S Morrisons Sainsbury’s Tesco Waitrose
Product size (g)
184 150 200 100 200 172 220 198
Total Packaging (g) 1.5 19.0 8.0 1.0 12.5 1.5 1.5 8.0 Packaging per 100g product (g) 0.82 9.74 4.00 0.96 6.27 0.87 0.60 4.02 The indexed data shows Tesco had the least packaging as the cheese was shrink-
wrapped, and Co-op the most, a plastic tray with film cover and sleeve showing the
product information.
A 12 bag multi pack of crisps was requested.
Multi Pack crisps
Asda Co-op
Lidl M&S Morrisons Sainsbury’s Tesco Waitrose
Product size (g)
14 pack x 25g
14 pack x 25g
12 pack x 25g
6 pack x 25g
12 pack x 25g
12 pack x 18g 12 pack x 25g
12 pack x 25g
Total Packaging (g) 32.5 41.0 41.0 18.0 30.0 28.0 34.0 41.0 Packaging per 100g product (g) 9.25 11.78 13.27 12.00 10.00 12.17 8.81 13.18 The crisps purchased varied in different size multi-packs ranging from 6 to 14
packs, comparing by 100g of product Tesco crisps had the least packaging (8.81g),
while Lidl had the most (13.27g).
BMRB Report: 45106324 War on Waste Wave 3 39
11 Overall Analysis
The total weight of packaging per basket ranged from 645.5g at Tesco to 802.5g
from Waitrose, with an average weight of 727.0g.
The proportion of waste that was recyclable i.e. any material for which recycling
facilities are commonly available (e.g. glass, tins, paper, card, plastic bottles and
Tetra Pak cartons) ranged from 57.8% at Lidl to 66.8% at Sainsburys with an
average of 63.3% recyclable.
Chart 11.1 shows the weight of the total packaging in relation to the proportion that
was recyclable.
Tesco (645.5g) and Marks and Spencer (671.0g) had the least packaging at the
third wave, and both had above average proportions of recyclable packaging
(64.6% and 65.6% respectively). Sainsbury’s had the highest proportion of
recyclable packaging (66.8%) and a below average weight of packaging (709.5g).
The basket from Waitrose resulted in the largest amount of packaging at 802.5g
with only 62.2% of this ‘recyclable’. The basket from Lidl also produced a lot of
packaging (782.5g) and only 57.8% of this was recyclable. Although the Co-op also
had a relatively large amount of packaging (761.0g), a high proportion of this was
recyclable (65.6%).
Asda had among the lowest amounts of packaging (695.0g), but also among the
lowest proportions of recyclable packaging (59.7%), whilst Morrisons had a
relatively high amount of packaging (749.5g) and an average amount of recyclable
packaging (63.8%).
The Co-op provided the most information about what packaging was made from,
with symbols on 16 of the 29 items, whilst Morrisons and Waitrose provided the
least information (only 4 items each).
Marks and Spencer used recycled materials in four items of packaging (egg box,
cornflake box, cookie tray and jam jar) according to the information provided on
their labels while Lidl, Sainsbury’s and Tesco used recycled materials in the
packaging of two items (for bean tins and jam jars at Lidl, and for egg boxes and
cornflake boxes at Sainsbury’s and Tesco).
Marks and Spencer provided the most information about whether packaging was
recyclable clearly stating this on 18 of the 29 items, although the Co-op used the
mobius loop or recyclable steel symbol on 17 items.
BMRB Report: 45106324 War on Waste Wave 3 40
Chart 11.1 Total weight of packaging by retailer (shown to nearest 0.5g) and
percentage of packaging that is recyclable
695
761
782.5
671
709.5
645.5
802.5
749.562.2%64.6%66.8%63.8%65.6%
57.8%
65.6%
59.7%
600
650
700
750
800
850
Asda Co-op Lidl M & S Morrisons Sainsburys Tesco Waitrose0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Total weight % recyclable
BMRB Report: 45106324 War on Waste Wave 3 41
12 Conclusions
The objective of this research was to inform the Local Government Association’s
‘War on Waste’ campaign which seeks to address the amount of rubbish produced
and the way in which it is thrown away. Food was analysed from eight retailers to
address this aim. At the third wave of the study the range of proportions of
recyclable packaging ranged from 57.8% to 66.8% so there remains scope for
improvement across all retailers in terms of reducing the amount of rubbish that is
thrown away.
There has been a great improvement in labelling of products since the previous
waves, with many items showing details about whether packaging is widely
recyclable, recyclable in some areas where facilities exist, or not recyclable.
Seven of the ten fruit and vegetable items were available loose from Tesco
although one of these had sticky labels to provide information about the product
(avocadoes). Six items were available loose (some with sticky labels) from
Morrisons, Marks and Spencer and Sainsbury’s. Asda and the Co-op sold five items
loose (although only nine of the ten items were available in the Co-op), and Lidl
and Waitrose only three.
Cherry tomatoes were sold in a plastic tray in five of the eight retailers, with the
plastic labelled as “recyclable” at Asda, the Co-op and Waitrose and “check local
recycling” at Morrisons. They were available completely loose in Tesco, in a plastic
bag at Marks and Spencer and in compostable packaging from Sainsbury’s. Grapes
were pre-packaged in bags in six of the eight retailers but available loose from
Morrisons and Marks and Spencer. The bag from Sainsbury’s stated that it could be
recycled if returned to a large Sainsbury’s store. Mushrooms were available loose
from five retailers, and in plastic trays from Lidl, Marks and Spencer and Waitrose.
Peppers were loose in seven retailers, but packaged in plastic at Lidl. Strawberries
were packaged in a plastic tray at all retailers although the packaging from Asda,
Sainsbury’s and Waitrose was labelled as “recyclable”.
The meat and fish products were packaged in plastics, although the Co-op also
used card labels on the packaging of the sausages and chicken breasts which was
counted as recyclable. Most provided some information about what the packaging
was made from or whether it was capable of being recycled.
At all eight retailers milk was packaged in a plastic bottle, made from high-density
polyethylene (HDPE (2)), although only Marks and Spencer and Tesco had labelled
this packaging as widely recyclable. The sunflower spread was also packaged in a
similar way (in plastic tubs) at all eight retailers, Marks and Spencer and Morrisons
advised the consumer to “check local recycling.” Stilton was shrink-wrapped at four
retailers, sold in plastic trays at three retailers and wrapped in wax paper at
Waitrose. The eggs were always available in a cardboard box but this was labelled
BMRB Report: 45106324 War on Waste Wave 3 42
as made from “100% recycled paper/board” at Marks and Spencer and Tesco and
“95% recycled materials” from Sainsbury’s.
Pizza varied in its packaging from all plastics (at Asda, Lidl and Marks and
Spencer), two pizzas in cardboard boxes alongside some plastic wrapping, two on
cardboard bases with plastic wrapping, and one in plastic wrapping on a
polystyrene base with a cardboard sleeve to provide nutritional information.
Sugar was available in a plastic bag from three retailers, a paper bag from three
retailers (widely recyclable), and waxed paper bags from two retailers (Marks and
Spencer bag labelled “check local recycling”). Crisps were always packaged in
plastic and foil lined bags, these were labelled as “not recyclable” from Marks and
Spencer and Sainsbury’s and as “check local recycling” for the outer plastic bag at
Morrisons.
Cookies were packaged in a plastic packet at all retailers, labelled as ‘check local
recycling’ by Morrisons. The packaging at Marks and Spencer additionally used a
plastic tray which was made from “50% recycled plastic”. The cornflakes were
packaged in a plastic bag in a cardboard box at all retailers but the cardboard box
was made from “85% recycled board” at Sainsbury’s, “75% recycled board” at
Tesco and “50% recycled paper” at Marks and Spencer. The plastic bag was
labelled as “recyclable” at Waitrose, and “recyclable at large stores” at Sainsbury’s.
The baked bean cans were labelled as “recyclable steel” from the Co-op, Marks and
Spencer and Sainsbury’s, and labelled just as “widely recyclable” at Morrisons and
Tesco. The can from Lidl was made from 40% recycled materials. Bread was
packaged in a plastic bag at all retailers, and was labelled as “recyclable at large
Sainsbury’s stores” and “check local recycling” at Morrisons and Marks and Spencer.
Jam was always packaged in a glass jar, which in Marks and Spencer was stated as
being made from 20% recycled glass. The lid was also labelled as “check local
recycling” at Marks and Spencer, “recyclable” at Waitrose and as “recyclable steel”
at Sainsburys. The jar from Lidl was made from 97% recycled glass.
While some retailers consistently provided information about whether packaging
was recyclable, others only provided details on a few items. There is still a long way
to go for some retailers to provide sufficient information for consumers about
recycling and there is scope for improvement among all retailers in the amount of
packaging made from recycled materials.
BMRB Report: 45106324 War on Waste Wave 3 43
13 Appendix
BMRB Report: 45106324 War on Waste Wave 3 1
War on Waste Wave 3
INT NAME/NO ________________STORE ____________________________________________ Please purchase every item. Please buy the quantity stated and take note of MINIMUM weights Please remember to shop for OWN BRAND goods where possible. Where there is a choice buy the CHEAPEST item. Use the instructions column for help with any substitutions. More details can be found in your instructions. Item Required weight/
quantity Instructions/substitutions COMMENTS
Avocado (loose if possible)
3 Loose if possible. Packaged is acceptable if otherwise unavailable Where there is a choice buy the CHEAPEST item
Baking potatoes (loose if possible)
4 Loose if possible. Packaged is acceptable if otherwise unavailable Where there is a choice buy the CHEAPEST item
Bananas (loose if possible)
Bunch (minimum 5)
Loose if possible. Packaged is acceptable if otherwise unavailable Where there is a choice buy the CHEAPEST item
Broccoli (loose if possible)
300g minimum Loose if possible. Packaged is acceptable if otherwise unavailable Where there is a choice buy the CHEAPEST item
Cherry Tomatoes (loose if possible)
250g Loose if possible. Packaged is acceptable if otherwise unavailable. If loose, a bag provided at the counter is acceptable for this product Where there is a choice buy the CHEAPEST item
Cucumber (loose if possible)
1 whole Loose if possible. Packaged is acceptable if otherwise unavailable Where there is a choice buy the CHEAPEST item
BMRB Report: 45106324 War on Waste Wave 3 2
Grapes (loose if possible)
500g Loose if possible. Packaged is acceptable if otherwise unavailable. If loose a bag provided at the counter is acceptable for this product Where there is a choice buy the CHEAPEST item
Mushrooms (any type) (loose if possible)
250g Loose if possible. Packaged is acceptable if otherwise unavailable. If loose a bag provided at the counter is acceptable for this product. Where there is a choice buy the CHEAPEST item
Peppers (loose if possible)
3 Loose if possible. Packaged is acceptable if otherwise unavailable Where there is a choice buy the CHEAPEST item
Strawberries (loose if possible)
400g Loose if possible. Packaged is acceptable if otherwise unavailable. If loose a bag provided at the counter is acceptable for this product. Where there is a choice buy the CHEAPEST item
Pork sausages (prepacked)
400g minimum Own brand if possible. Other brand acceptable if otherwise not available Pre packed if possible, other sausages acceptable if pork are unavailable. Loose is acceptable if otherwise not available Where there is a choice buy the CHEAPEST item
Minced Beef (prepacked)
500g Own brand if possible. Other brand acceptable if otherwise not available Pre packed if possible, other mince acceptable if beef is unavailable. Loose is acceptable if otherwise not available Where there is a choice buy the CHEAPEST item
BMRB Report: 45106324 War on Waste Wave 3 3
2 Chicken Breasts (prepacked)
250g minimum Own brand if possible. Other brand acceptable if otherwise not available Pre packed if possible. Loose is acceptable if otherwise not available Where there is a choice buy the CHEAPEST item
Lamb chops (pre packed)
200g minimum Own brand if possible. Other brand acceptable if otherwise not available Pre packed if possible. Loose is acceptable if otherwise not available Where there is a choice buy the CHEAPEST item
Fresh Salmon Fillets (prepacked) (MUST BE FRESH FILLETS NOT SMOKED/SLICES)
250g minimum Own brand if possible. Other brand acceptable if otherwise not available Pre packed if possible. Loose is acceptable if otherwise not available Where there is a choice buy the CHEAPEST item
Fresh pizza 12" Own brand if possible. Other brand acceptable if otherwise not available Where there is a choice buy the CHEAPEST item
Semi skimmed milk
1 pint Own brand if possible. Other brand acceptable if otherwise not available Where there is a choice buy the CHEAPEST item
Sunflower spread (tub)
500g Own brand if possible. Other 500g tub margarine acceptable if sunflower spread not available Where there is a choice buy the CHEAPEST item
Stilton 125g minimum Own brand if possible. Other brand acceptable if otherwise not available Where there is a choice buy the CHEAPEST item
Eggs 6 medium Own brand if possible. Other brand acceptable if otherwise not available Where there is a choice buy the CHEAPEST item
BMRB Report: 45106324 War on Waste Wave 3 4
Sugar (any type) 1kg Own brand if possible. Other brand acceptable if otherwise not available Where there is a choice buy the CHEAPEST item
Raisins (FOR COOKING NOT FOR SNACKING)
500g Own brand if possible. Other dried fruit acceptable if raisins not available e.g. sultanas, currants, mixed dried fruits. These should be for cooking, if possible and not for snacking. Where there is a choice buy the CHEAPEST item
Multi pack crisps (any flavour)
12 pack Any own brand. Substitute with known brand if own brand not available Where there is a choice buy the CHEAPEST item
Choc Chip Cookies 200g minimum Own brand if possible. Other brand acceptable if otherwise not available These should be packaged like biscuits not "luxury cookies" in a bag. Where there is a choice buy the CHEAPEST item
Cornflakes 500g Own brand if possible. Similar cereal acceptable if cornflakes not available Where there is a choice buy the CHEAPEST item
Loaf of white bread SLICED
800g Own brand if possible. Other brand acceptable if otherwise not available Where there is a choice buy the CHEAPEST item
Baked Beans 1 can (400g minimum)
Own brand if possible. Other brand acceptable if otherwise not available Where there is a choice buy the CHEAPEST item
Tea 80 tea bags Own brand if possible. Other brand acceptable if otherwise not available Where there is a choice buy the CHEAPEST item
Jam (any flavour) minimum 400g Own brand if possible. Other brand acceptable if otherwise not available Where there is a choice buy the CHEAPEST item
For further information, please contact:LGA Analysis and ResearchLocal Government House, Smith Square,London SW1P 3HZTelephone 020 7664 3000www.lga.gov.uk/research
Or telephone LGconnect for all yourlocal government queries on 020 7664 3131Fax 020 7664 3030Email [email protected]
Produced by Liberata Design and Print Studio, February 2009L09-136