Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
Sainsbury’s launched a Reverse Vending Recycling trial at its Braehead Superstore in Glasgow yesterday (Tuesday July 9), allowing customers to return plastic bottles and drinks cans in exchange for money off their shopping.
Braehead becomes the first Sainsbury’s store in Scotland, and only the third in the UK, to offer this service to customers. The scheme launched last month at stores in Lincoln and Hull.
Customers can deposit plastic bottles of any size up to 3 litres and aluminium drinks cans in a machine at the store entrance, in exchange for a coupon that is worth 5p per item towards their shopping. Up to 500 items can be deposited per visit, which means customers could save up to £25.
Judith Batchelar, director of Sainsbury’s Brand, said: “We’re delighted to offer a new way to help our customers recycle while saving on their shop.”
The trial is the latest in a line of steps that the supermarket chain is taking as part of its drive to cut plastic by removing, reusing, replacing and recycling.
Last month the retailer committed to removing 489 tonnes’ worth of plastic bags which are currently used for loose fruit, vegetables and bakery items. By September, paper bags will be available to customers for loose bakery items. Customers buying loose fruit and vegetables will either be able to bring their own bags or buy a reusable bag made from recycled materials.
Sainsbury’s also recently updated on its progress with removing and replacing plastic packaging, which totals over 10,000 tonnes this year. You can find out more here
