Last week, in a blaze of media attention, Sainsbury\u2019s announced that it would be replacing 3,550 tonnes of oil-based plastic packaging with compostable alternatives, such as plastics derived from sugarcane, cornstarch and cellulose.<\/b><\/p>\n
“Our customers tell us that they don\u2019t want any GM products,” said Stuart Lendrum, the retailer\u2019s print and packaging manager. He told PRW.com that Sainsbury\u2019s will not use polylactic acid (PLA) made from genetically modified (GM) crops in its packaging.<\/p>\n
At present, Sainsbury\u2019s is not using any PLA in its compostable packaging. But Lendrum would not be drawn on whether Sainsbury\u2019s was in discussions with any suppliers of non-GM PLA.<\/p>\n
The move by Sainsbury\u2019s is the latest round in the \u2018green wars\u2019 between Britain\u2019s giant retailers. IKEA recently said it was switching over to biodegradable plastic carrier bags, but PRW understands that Sainsbury\u2019s has no such plans.<\/p>\n
Britain\u2019s third largest retailer, Sainsbury\u2019s is pushing for more home composting of waste packaging, and has called on the government to ensure that every home in Britain has a compost bin.<\/p>\n
Lendrum said that, as well as compostability, Sainsbury\u2019s is also pushing for readily recyclable packaging. This is where the challenge lies for the plastics industry, he said. Lendrum explained that he is often told by producers that a plastic is recyclable, but feels that this is “technically irrelevant\u201d if a customer can\u2019t recycle the material easily.<\/p>\n
The British Plastics Federation, however, is not convinced by the merits of the latest initiative by Sainsbury\u2019s. Director General Peter Davis said: “The development of biodegradable plastics represents an important innovation with a part to play, but the full environmental costs of growing and processing crops into packaging need to be born in mind.”<\/p>\n
“Furthermore, depending on the packaging type, composting can produce increased carbon dioxide and methane emissions, both greenhouse gases. To divert more waste from landfill, we need to consider all the options, including increased recycling and energy-from-waste capacity.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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