We've launched a new initiative to equip the fishing crews who supply us with their fresh catch with specialist kit so they can collect plastic waste to be taken care of when they return to the shore.
Through our Fishing for Plastic scheme we're equipping all our suppliers' fleets – more than 500 fishing vessels – with hardwearing and durable bags so that crews can collect harmful plastic waste whilst bringing in the catch.
Bottles, plastic carrier bags and marine waste are among some of the most commonly found plastics that pollute the waters.
The scheme will be rolling out globally, as all of Asda’s wild caught fleets will receive the new recycling bags, with crews in places including Scotland, Alaska and Norway all participating.
The crews taking part in the initiative supply our mackerel, pollock, wild salmon, tuna, haddock and cod – the most popular dish with customers
Our sustainability manager Laura Babbs said: “We’ve worked hard to reduce and remove plastic from across the business but we always looking for ways to further our commitment to protecting the planet and working with our suppliers to tackle the wider issue of plastic pollution is vitally important.
"We can’t tackle big climate change issues alone and so it’s important for us to listen to and work in partnership with our suppliers, so we can make a real difference to tackling plastic pollution everyday. This is just a small step in our ongoing sustainability journey, but together with our suppliers, we have the ability to make a big difference."
Helen Bird, strategic engagement manager from WRAP, which leads The UK Plastics Pact – a collaborative initiative involving businesses like us, the UK government and NGOs to tackle plastic waste – said: “Keeping plastic waste out of the natural environment is central to the aims of The UK Plastics Pact, so we welcome this move from one of our founding members. Collaborative working across supply chains is the only way we can tackle the issue of plastic pollution effectively.”
Since 2018, we've removed 8,000 tonnes of plastic. We also recently brought forward commitments to make almost a third of plastic packaging from recycled sources by the end of 2020, and reduce plastic by 15% by February 2021. We will also make all packaging – of whatever material – 100% recyclable by 2025.
