Tesco started the rollout of the new recyclable packaging on its own-brand pocket tissues. Credit: © Tescoplc.com.

UK-based supermarket chain Tesco has announced a significant change to its own brand pocket tissue multi-packs to cut plastic waste.

The retailer is replacing plastic packaging of the pocket tissues with recyclable paper, a move, which it claimed will save more than 55 million pieces of soft plastic annually.

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The switch to Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified paper packs have started from mid-December.

Both the individual packs and the wrap of Tesco’s Gentle White and Balm tissues multi-packs are transitioning to the new sustainable material.

Tesco is claimed to be the first supermarket to implement this change for its own brand pocket tissues.

The changes will result in a reduction of almost 35mt of new soft plastic each year.

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Tesco campaigns manager Courtney Pallett said: “Unlike boxes of tissues, the pocket version tends to be used on the go and can all too easily become litter. The new paper packaging works just as well as the old plastic wrap but is more sustainable.”

Since 2019, Tesco has eliminated close to 2.2 billion pieces of plastic in its UK business through various initiatives.

So far, the retailer scrapped more than 200 million bags from Tesco.com deliveries, more than 100 million lids from various products like creams, yoghurts and others.

Tesco also eliminated plastic wrapping from over 75 million tinned multipacks and removed, 50 million pieces of plastic wrap from branded beer and cider cans.

In August this year, the supermarket chain rolled out new recyclable packaging with 70% less plastic for its fresh mince product.