Tesco trials plastic-free packaging for fruit and veg

Tesco is launching on Monday a trial to remove plastic packaging from fruit and veg in its aim to cut down on plastic pollution.

As part of a pilot scheme, two Tesco Extra stores, in Watford and Swindon, will sell 45 products loose, including apples, onions, mushrooms, peppers, bananas and avocados.

The move is part of the FTSE 100 grocer's plan to stop using hard-to-recycle plastic packaging by 2019 and making all its plastic wrapping fully recyclable by 2025.

“We want to remove as much plastic as we can from our products, only using what is necessary to protect and preserve our food," said Sarah Bradbury, director of quality.

“We hope this trial proves popular with customers. We’ll be keeping a close eye on the results, including any impact on food waste.

“Whatever happens, we’re going to keep reducing the amount of packaging we use and ensure everything on our shelves is fully recyclable.”

Tesco will be surveying shoppers in the stores to help understand the reaction to the trial. It will also be closely monitoring each of the included products to see if there is an increase in food waste.