London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Thursday, Dec 07, 2023

Anti-plastic group has beef with Sainsbury's vac pack mince over recycling

Anti-plastic group has beef with Sainsbury's vac pack mince over recycling

An anti-plastic group has criticised Sainsbury's for swapping its mince out of hard plastic trays into vac packs.

The supermarket said the change will see 55% less plastic used, after some customers said it turned the mince to mush and was hard to cook with.

Campaign group A Plastic Planet said the vacuum packs will not go in most household recycling collections.

Sainsbury's said they could be recycled at stores and customers had to get used to the new look and cook differently.

The supermarket announced that it was "the first retailer to vacuum pack all mince, saving 450 tonnes of plastic each year". It is part of its goal to halve its use of plastic packaging of own brand products by 2025.

But Sian Sutherland, co-founder of A Plastic Planet, said: "While there will be a saving in the weight of plastic used, switching to flexible plastics over rigid ones is no more green than changing from a petrol to a diesel vehicle."

She said soft or flexible plastics were "almost impossible to recycle, especially where they are food-contaminated".

"The old, rigid plastic packaging would at least have gone into recycling, however limited the UK's systems are," she added. "The new vacuum packs will instead be thrown into general waste and end up in incineration."


'Moral responsibility'


Sainsbury's head of fresh food, Richard Crampton, told the BBC the UK was behind Europe and the rest of the world on its use and recyclability of flexible plastics. "So it's true you can't pick it up at the kerb yet," he said.

He said they had "exactly the same issue" with the film that covered the hard plastic trays the mince used to be packaged in.

"It's the same problem but now there's a lot less plastic," Mr Crampton said.

"Customers can't impact the packaging that we produce," he said, but added that Sainsbury's took its responsibility for sustainable packaging "super seriously".

"It's a moral responsibility as well as corporate responsibility - it's the right thing to do."

Environmental campaign group Wrap said plastic bags and wrapping could be recycled at more than 6,000 places across the UK. It has a recycling locator to find your nearest one.


'Mushed off cuts'


Some shoppers had posted their dislike of the vac packed mince on social media, and reviews on the Sainsbury's website.

One said the meat now resembled "a rectangle of mushed off-cuts" and another "someone's kidney".

Mr Crampton said: "It's exactly the same mince... but more compressed... so we do need customers to cook it slightly differently.

"It's as straightforward as it just needs more agitation with a wooden spoon to break the product up," he said. The new vac packs have cooking instructions on them.

Mr Crampton said Sainsbury's had tested the move with chefs and customers and "didn't get any negative feedback at all" so felt confident to roll it out across all stores.

He said the number of complaints they had received were "fractions of less than a per cent" and sales and market share had not changed.

Asked if Sainsbury's would consider switching back to the old packaging, he said: "We always listen to customers but at the moment there's no overwhelming data to tell us to not do this."

He said vac packed meat was common in the EU and US as well as recipe boxes in the UK, and he would not be surprised if other supermarkets followed suit.

Newsletter

Related Articles

London Daily
Close
0:00
0:00
Venezuela Steps Up Claim on Guyana's Essequibo Region
You Are So Beautiful
Spain's First AI Model Earns Up to $10,000 Monthly
Postmodern Jukebox European Tour Version
Spotify Plans Workforce Reduction of Nearly 20% Despite Reporting £55 Million Profit
An old French tune (by Georges Brassens) Pomplamoose ft. John Schroeder
Former President Restricted from Leaving Ukraine Amid Alleged Plan to Meet Hungary's Viktor Orban
Sattahip Motor Show 20
Ikea Commits £10 Million for 2024 Pay Raises for UK Employees
SONATE AU CLAIR DE LUNE - Moonlight sonata
Ant and Dec, our favorite jungle jesters, have thrown a curveball. They're suggesting a 'politician-free' season of 'I'm A Celebrity. Get Me Out Of Here!'
A kiss to build a dream on
Trump’s lawyers say he did not take an oath ‘to support the Constitution’
Wonderful Tonight - Eric Clapton (Boyce Avenue acoustic cover)
Henry Kissinger, the influential American diplomat, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and former Secretary of State, passed away at 100 at his Connecticut home.
Mean Blues
Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Dr. Parnpreeb Commends ICRC's Role in Hostage Release
La Chansonnette
Sam Bankman-Fried, founder of the crypto exchange FTX who was convicted of fraud earlier this month, is adjusting to his new life in the detention center where he awaits sentencing.
Pattaya Addicts
Sam Bankman-Fried, founder of the crypto exchange FTX who was convicted of fraud earlier this month, is adjusting to his new life in the detention center where he awaits sentencing.
Franz Liszt - Liebestraum - Love Dream
The political network founded by the billionaire industrialist brothers Charles and David Koch has endorsed Nikki Haley in the Republican presidential nominating contest
Dream a little dream of me
Charlie Munger, Warren Buffett's longtime investing partner, dies at 99
Unchained Melody sung like you've NEVER heard!
Robert De Niro told an awards ceremony a speech he was reading had been edited without his knowledge, removing critical comments about Donald Trump
Dave Brubeck - Take Five
Standard Chartered is in the early stages of a search for its next chair as the bank prepares for the departure of Jose Vinals, who’s entering his eighth year in the role
Édith Piaf - Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien (Sofie)
Eurostar to Suspend Amsterdam to London Service for 6 Months
Rondo Alla Turca
California is not considered a racist place. Or so it seems.
Kiss of fire
Sam Altman's return to OpenAI marks a significant turn of events for Microsoft and its relationship with the AI giant.
Tom Jones - I´ll Never Fall In Love Again 1967, 1989, 2001
Radical immigrants set on fire police cars and loot shops in Dublin.
Israel Cachao López - Guajira Clásica
The BBC Caught Again with Questionable Journalistic Standards, as Ugly Facts Undermine Its Attractive Yet Flawed Arguments
Edward Maya - Stereo Love (feat. Vika Jigulina) (Extended Mix)
This video reveals that Target's Black Friday promotions are entirely fake, with no actual discounts. The prices before and after are identical!
Strauss - Radetzky March - Karajan
Israel's Spokesperson Mark Regev's Response to Comparisons Between Palestinian Teenage Terrorists and Young Innocent Victims of Hamas Captivity
La vie en rose
Here is a video showing the moment of the release of the captives by the terrorist organization Hamas and their transfer to the Red Cross on their way back to the State of Israel.
The Temptations - My Girl (Smokey Robinson Tribute) 2006 Kennedy Cent
Here is a video showing the moment of the release of the captives by the terrorist organization Hamas and their transfer to the Red Cross on their way back to the State of Israel.
Orlando Cachaito Lopez Redencion
Bill Gates Envisions a Possible 3-Day Work Week with AI
Edith Piaf - NON, JE NE REGRETTE RIEN
Viktor Orban's Provocative Assertions and Their Significance in Europe
RADETZKY MARCH-2008-Wien, New Year Concert
Orban's Blunt Challenge to Brussels: Embracing National Sovereignty in Migration Policy
Only you (And you alone)
OpenAI Staff Rebellion: 500 Employees Demand Board Resignation in Dramatic Standoff
Strangers In The Night
OpenAI Staff Rebellion: 500 Employees Demand Board Resignation in Dramatic Standoff
Charles Aznavour - La Boheme
Over 200 Convicted in Italy's 'Ndrangheta Mafia Trial
Summer time
In a scandalous revelation at the COVID-19 inquiry, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is under fire for an alleged remark that suggests a chilling indifference to human life during the pandemic
Sting and Stevie Wonder - Fragile (from Sting's 60th birthday concert)
Abu Dhabi-Backed Fund Poised to Assume Control of UK's Telegraph Media Group
Aux Champs Elysees
Sam Altman and Greg Brockman Join Microsoft Amidst OpenAI Developments
Stand By Me - Ben E. King (Boyce Avenue acoustic cover)
Reporters Without Borders Unveils News Platform to Counter Russian Propaganda
La Mer (Beyond the Sea) – Avalon Jazz Band
Singer Shakira will pay a fine of eight million euros after being accused of evading taxes worth 14.5 million euros during the years 2012-2014.
She
Hungary's Orbán Asserts Ukraine Is Far from EU Membership
Nathalie Song by Enzo Petrachi Stjepan Hauser Cello
Racial Bias in AI Leads to Wrongful Arrest Due to False Recognition
Shape of My Heart - Sting (Boyce Avenue acoustic cover)
Orban Stresses Hungary's Need to Reform the EU Rather Than Exiting It
Radiohead - Creep
Biden Advocates for Palestinian Authority to Govern Gaza and West Bank
Quizás,Quizás,Quizás - Andrea Bocelli - Jennifer Lopez
Brigitte Macron Opens Up About Her Marriage to Younger President Emmanuel Macron
Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps - Multi-Couples
Apple and Disney Halt Ads on X Following Elon Musk's Antisemitic Post, US Reacts
Pentatonix Havana
Finland Shuts Four Crossing Points on Russia Border
Paula Cole - Autumn Leaves
Viktor Orbán Welcomes Cameron's Political Return
Oscar Benton Bensonhurst Blues
The UK’s Supreme Court, in a move that surprised no one who respects international law and human rights, has just delivered a landmark ruling against Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s immigration strategy.
OH NANANA vs ABUSADAMENTE
YouTube has introduced an AI feature named Dream Track that can mimic the voices of celebrities such as Demi Lovato and John Legend, enabling users to compose brief songs by specifying lyrics and mood
Nina Simone - ”I Put A Spell On You”. Vezi aici cum cântă Jeremy Ragsd
Viktor Orbán Welcomes Cameron's Political Return
NIGHTWISH - The Phantom Of The Opera
The UK’s Supreme Court, in a move that surprised no one who respects international law and human rights, has just delivered a landmark ruling against Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s immigration strategy.
Motorshow 2016 Tanjay Negros Oriental
AWS, Google, and Microsoft to Invest $8.5 Billion in Thailand
Monica Bellucci - Ti Amo
Top German journalist received €600,000 from Putin ally, leak reveals
Michael Jackson - Billie Jean Milena The Voice France 2018
A Dramatic Video from Gaza, Provided by IDF Spokesperson Daniel Hagari, Offers Undeniable Evidence of Hamas Establishing Terror Operation Bases Near Schools, Above Hospitals, and Inside Civilian Areas.
Michael Buble (Help Me Make It Through The Night) feat Loren Allred
Memories Canon In D - Maroon 5 (Boyce Avenue piano acoustic cover)
Matteo Simoni - Marina
Maroon 5 - One More Night
Maroon 5 - Memories
Mark Knopfler - Brothers In Arms (Berlin 2007 Live)
Mark Knopfler & Emmylou Harris - Romeo And Juliet (Real Live Roadrunni
Marina, Marina - The LUCKY DUCKIES intimist live concert at Guimarães
Major Lazer & DJ Snake – Lean On Mauranne The Voice France 2016
Love Theme from Romeo and Juliet - Joslin - Henri Mancini, Nino Rota
LoLa & Hauser - Love Story
Linkin Park Jay-Z - Numb Encore (Live 8 2005)
Hallelujah Mennel Ibtissem, The Voice France Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen - Dance Me to the End of Love
Leonard Cohen & Natasha Rostova - Dance me to the end of love
La casa de papel - Bella Ciao
La Camisa Negra
L'italiano (Toto Cutugno) - The Gypsy Queens
Juanes - La Camisa Negra
Jonathan and Charlotte - Britain's Got Talent 2012 Live Semi Final - U
John Powell - Assassin's Tango
Joe Cocker - You Can Leave Your Hat On (LIVE in Dortmund)
Joe Cocker - Unchain My Heart 2002 Live
Joe Cocker - A Whiter Shade Of Pale
Jay Z & Alicia Keys - Empire State of Mind LIVE
Jason Mraz - Im Yours (live)
Jarrod Radnich - Bohemian Rhapsody - Virtuosic Piano Solo
James Blunt - You're Beautiful
James Blunt - You're Beautiful & Bonfire Heart (Live at The Nobel Peac)
If You Go Away - Helen Merrill & Stan Getz (Tribute to Virna Lisi)
I'LL BE MISSING YOU
I Say a Little Prayer
Hotel California ( Eagles ) 1994 Live
Historia de un amor - Luz Casal. Vezi interpretarea Biancăi Sumanariu
Here Comes The Sun - The Beatles (Boyce Avenue acoustic cover) on Spot
Heart - Stairway to Heaven Led Zeppelin - Kennedy Center Honors
HAVANA by Camila Cabello Zumba Pre Cooldown TML Crew Kramer Pastra
HAUSER and Señorita - I Will Always Love You
HAUSER - Waka Waka
HAUSER - Sway
HAUSER - Lambada
HAUSER - Historia de un Amor
HAUSER - Despacito
Great Pretender
Georgia May Foote & Giovanni Pernice Samba to 'Volare' - Strictly Come
Gary Moore - Still Got The Blues
GIPSY KINGS VOLARE Penelope Cruz
Fugees - Killing Me Softly With His Song
French Latino - Historia de un Amor
For A Few Dollars More The Danish National Symphony Orchestra (Live)
Flashdance • What a Feeling • Irene Cara
Filip Rudan - “Someone You Loved” Audicija 4 The Voice Hrvatska Sez
Eric Clapton - Wonderful Tonight
Enya - Only Time
Enrique Iglesias - Bailando (English Version) ft. Sean Paul
Enrique Iglesias - Bailamos
Elena Yerevan Historia de un amor
Ed Sheeran - Shape of You (Official Music Video)
Ed Sheeran - Perfect Symphony [with Andrea Bocelli]
Ed Sheeran - Perfect (Official Music Video)
Easy On Me - Adele (Boyce Avenue 90’s style piano acoustic cover) on S
ERA - Ameno
ELENA YEREVAN- Cancion Del Mariachi-IN STUDIO-2017 DPR
Dust In The Wind - Kansas (Boyce Avenue acoustic cover)
Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood
Despacito x Shape Of You - Pentatonix
Deep Purple - Child In Time - Live (1970)
David Foster When A Man Loves A WomanIt's A Mans World (SealMichael Bo
Dance me to the end of Love ( Pi-Air Design )
Coolio - Gangsta's Paradise (feat. L.V.) [Official Music Video]
Conquest Of Paradise (Vangelis), played on Böhm Emporio organ
Cielito Lindo
Chico & The Gypsies - Bamboleo
Canción Del Mariachi - Antonio Banderas, Los Lobos • Desperado
Camila Cabello - Havana (Audio) ft. Young Thug
Camila Cabello - Havana ( cover by J.Fla )
California Dreamin' - The Mamas & The Papas José Feliciano (Boyce Ave
Buster Benton - Money Is The Name of The Game
Hallelujah Pentatonix
Bobby McFerrin - Don't Worry Be Happy (Official Music Video)
Bob Dylan - Knockin' On Heaven's Door Emilia The Voice Kids France
Besame Mucho - Cesaria Evora
Ben E. King - Stand by Me Sax Cover Alexandra Ilieva Thomann
Bella Ciao
Bella Ciao - INSTRUMENTAL
Beautiful in White x Canon in D (Piano Cover by Riyandi Kusuma)
Bad Romance - Vintage 1920's Gatsby Style Lady Gaga Cover ft. Ariana Savalas & Sarah Reich(1)
BELLA CIAO 2020 - KARAOKE ITALIANO
BAMBOLEO - Gipsy Kings • Antonio Banderas, Katya Virshilas
BAILANDO (original)
Awesome Ukrainian yodeler - SOFIA SHKIDCHENKO (with English subtitles)
Avicii - The Nights
Atom - The Great Gig in the Sky
Aretha Franklin - (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman (Official Ly
Antonio Banderas - Cancion del Mariachi (Desperado)
André Rieu - Zorba's Dance (Sirtaki)
André Rieu - Can't Help Falling In Love
André Rieu & Mirusia - Ave Maria
Andrew Reyes Elton John - Don't Let The Sun Go Down The Voice 2020 (
Andreas Kümmert Whiter Shade Of Pale The Voice of Germany 2013 Showd
And I Love You So
All About That Bass - Postmodern Jukebox European Tour Version
Alan Walker - Faded (Piano Cover)
Ain't No Sunshine -- Bill Withers (cover by Canen 12 y.o.)
African music
Adriana Vidović - “Creep” Audicija 4 The Voice Hrvatska Sezona 3
Adriana Vidović - “Believer” Nokaut 3 The Voice Hrvatska Sezona 3
A Fistful of Dollars - The Danish National Symphony Orchestra and Tuva
4 Beautiful Soundtracks Relaxing Piano [10min]
2CELLOS - Whole Lotta Love vs. Beethoven 5th Symphony [OFFICIAL VIDEO]
2CELLOS - Smooth Criminal (Live at Suntory Hall, Tokyo)
2CELLOS - Smells Like Teen Spirit [Live at Sydney Opera House]
2CELLOS - Despacito [OFFICIAL VIDEO]
13 Year Old Girl Playing Il Silenzio (The Silence) - André Rieu
094.All About That Bass
00 - SADNESS PART 1
(Ghost) Riders In the Sky (American Outlaws Live at Nassau Coliseum, 1
(Everything I Do) I Do It For You - Bryan Adams (Boyce Avenue ft. Conn
What a wonderful world
Moon river
×