We're getting ready to trial lots of new and innovative ways to reduce and remove plastic packaging in our first ever sustainability store.
Customers at our Middleton store in Leeds will be the first to try the new innovations starting in May this year. Before then we'll be working hard in the store to install new refill solutions and recycling options, like in the artist's impression above.
Customers will be able to fill up their own containers at refill points for everyday essentials like our own brand coffee, rice and pasta.
And we've also teamed up with Unilever and Kellogg's to create refill points for cereals such as Rice Krispies and Coco Pops and PG Tips tea.
We know lots of our customers would like to see us remove packaging on loose produce so this is another thing we'll be trialling at the store. We will be removing the plastic packaging from mushrooms and cucumbers on produce and we'll also be selling "naked" flowers without any plastic packaging.
As well as the refill points we're also installing a range of new recycling facilities in store, including a reverse vending machine for plastic bottles and cans, hanger recycling and a deposit box for unwanted small plastic toys.
Throughout the trial we'll be asking customers for feedback and monitoring to see if it changes people's shopping habits. All the trials will last for at least three months and from there we can decide whether to roll it out, retrial or stop.
We're really excited about our new sustainability store and we're looking forward to seeing how much of a difference we can make. If you're in the Leeds area please do visit us in Middleton and let us know what you think.
