Supermarkets score poorly on waste action, watchdog says

The report, which saw the Food Commission researching various aspects of sustainability within the eight biggest supermarket chains, concluded that “no supermarket scored well for any of our waste indicators”.

The NCC ranked supermarkets according to their environmental actions

Waitrose came top overall environmentally, while the performances of Tesco and ASDA were described as “disappointing”.

Commenting after the report, the NCC called for simple changes within supermarkets including more recycled materials used in packaging and in paper products like toilet roll and kitchen towels.

It also called for more efforts to encourage shoppers to cut down on their use of plastic carrier bags.

Lord Whitty, NCC chairman, said: “Shoppers are increasingly keen to do their bit. Now, we make it clear how supermarkets could make greener choices easier for everybody.”

Report
The NCC report did note that Sainsbury's, Tesco and Waitrose were now taking a lead on waste issues compared to other supermarkets. The three chains – along with Marks and Spencer were praised for including recycled content in packaging used on their own brand products.

Nevertheless, report author Sue Dibb criticised supermarkets for their limited range of recycled toilet paper and kitchen towels, and for presenting such products “niche” rather than mainstream.

Only Sainsbury's, Tesco and Co-Op offered shoppers more than one 100% recycled product, while ASDA, Marks and Spencer and Somerfield did not even offer one, the report said.

Bags
The supermarkets were also condemned for failing to reward customers re-using plastic bags or charging for new plastic carrier bags.

Tesco received some praise for cutting the cost of its “bags for life” to 5p. The chain has, since the NCC research was carried out, started offering loyalty card points for customers reusing bags (see letsrecycle.com story).

Although supermarket ASDA claimed its own brand “Shades” toilet paper container 40% recycled paper, the NCC researcher said the product did not alert shoppers to that fact.

The supermarkets also came under attack for a lack of information – in the form of posters, leaflets or in-store information – promoting the value of recycling or re-use to shoppers.

Commenting on the NCC report today, the Liberal Democrat shadow environment secretary, Chris Huhne MP, said: “It is good news the supermarkets are beginning to compete on which is greener than the other, but this report shows they have a long way to go. Whether it is encouraging local food sources or cutting plastic bag use, there is a big green agenda for retailers still to run with.”