In an interview with news site The Grocer, Iceland MD Richard Walker talked about the impact of the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic on the store and Iceland’s current efforts in reducing plastic waste.
In the interview, Walker said that Iceland is investigating into how the pandemic has affected consumer habits and presented challenges to food waste. He also said that packaging testing has been delayed due to Covid-19.
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Walker told The Grocer: “At a really granular level some of the specific trials, testing and packaging line level activities have been delayed either by restricted access to sites, or by demand constraints on line availability, but not to the point of delaying overall projects. Our suppliers have managed to maintain activity and continue delivering changes.”
When asked about how the pandemic has impacted the industry regarding plastic, Walker said: “On plastic, it’s too early to tell – but our work and commitment to remove it from our own-label packaging by the end of 2023 remains firm. Whilst we’ve all been consumed by the crisis both in work and at home, it is only two-and-a-half months in, and today’s ‘new normal’ won’t be tomorrow’s ‘new normal’.”
