Supermarket chain Waitrose has announced the trial of cork recycling across seven of its UK stores, starting from 7 October 2024. 

The trial is claimed to be the first initiative of its kind by a major UK supermarket.  

The initiative will begin in the Waitrose Salisbury store and expand to six other locations, including Saltash, Lymington, Bath, Godalming, Truro, and Maidenhead after its relaunch in November.  

Customers can deposit their used natural corks at designated collection points for recycling through Amorim, a cork processor. 

Waitrose Beer Wine and Spirits Global Bulk Wine Sourcing manager Barry Dick said: “Waitrose customers get through nearly 25m [million] natural corks a year. Currently, this valuable material does not have its own waste stream which means it ends up in landfill. Cork is a durable material and has the potential to be repurposed into a variety of products after it has been used as a wine cork.  

“This trial is a fantastic way for us to reduce waste and play a part in improving our sustainability as a category. Once we’ve gauged our customer’s appetite to return their natural corks, we’re hoping to roll the trial out to further stores from next year.” 

Natural cork, once recycled, can be transformed into a myriad of new products such as mulch, which is beneficial for soil health, as well as household items such as placemats, coasters, flooring, and even footwear.  

Customers can distinguish between natural and synthetic corks by feel; natural cork is typically lighter, spongier, and slightly less smooth to the touch. 

The trial's outcomes will guide Waitrose on how to expand the programme more broadly, with aspirations to explore innovative uses for recycled cork in future offerings.  

This initiative underscores the Partnership's commitment to delivering an outstanding retail experience while also contributing to its overarching circular economy strategy. 

John Lewis Partnership Ethics and Sustainability director Marija Rompani said: “I’m excited to kick off this trial and learn about how we can help reduce unnecessary waste of such a great material. We’re always looking for ways to reduce waste and keep materials in circulation as a crucial element of our Ethics & Sustainability commitments, and this trial will add another layer to the work we have across the Partnership.” 

In April this year, Waitrose launched new wine bottles without plastic and foil sleeves around the bottle’s neck.