UK-based supermarket giant Tesco is set to trial new packaging for its fresh mushroom products, with an aim to extend shelf life and reduce food waste.
Developed in response to feedback from Tesco customers, the company's new pulp punnets help keep mushrooms fresher for longer than current plastic punnets.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Tesco buying manager James Cantoni said: “Tesco is trialling innovative new packaging for our fresh mushrooms that will help keep them fresher for longer and reduce food waste.
“We are always looking for new ways to reduce food waste and bring fresh British produce to our customers. So, this week we’re launching a trial of our new fully recyclable pulp punnet.”
The company further noted that the innovative pulp punnets feature a more natural look and feel than the plastic packaging.
Produced from fully recyclable materials, the packaging allows moisture to be absorbed and can simultaneously maintain the integrity of the product.
The standard plastic punnet cannot absorb liquid, meaning that moisture is often left at the bottom of these containers, leading to faster deterioration of the mushrooms.
As part of its ongoing commitment to help fight food waste, Tesco is also planning to preserve all the food that is safe for human consumption across its UK retail operations by the end of this year.
Tesco recently partnered with Linpac and Hilton Food Group to maximise the recyclability potential of its plastic fresh food packaging solutions.
Image: Tesco’s new mushroom punnet packaging. Photo: courtesy of Tesco.
