RETAIL ROUND-UP
Brands need to be aware that packaging innovation has delivered solutions which are now readily available, including starch based compostables and new-generation plastics such as Hydropol, which is based on PVA, and offers all of the functionality of LDPE, but are fully recyclable and biodegradable without producing harmful microplastics, which are so damaging to the environment. So, if these products offer all of the product protection provided by traditional plastic packaging without the negative environmental impact, why aren’t they being widely adopted? The answer is chicken and egg. Although materials made with Hydropol are fully recyclable – indeed, in combination with paper, it actually enhances the recovery of paper fibres in the recycling process - we still have to work with the existing recycling infrastructure which has yet to fully adjust to the circular economy. The more brands collaborate and adopt new packaging technologies such as Hydropol, increasing the volume of PVA material, so will the viability of recycling around the world, closing the loop and making the circular economy a reality.
“ Brands need to be aware that packaging innovation has delivered solutions which are now readily available, including starch based compostables and new-generation plastics ” The paper recycling stream is an existing and generally available route to economic, technical and viable end of life which the consumer understands and, in many cases, has access to the collection stream. We also need to ensure consumers are educated about the benefits and attributes of choosing alternative packaging. They need more choice in terms of how they can dispose of their packaging, whether it is through the recycling system, dissolving it in the dishwasher or washing up water, or compositing it”. “There is a huge opportunity for fashion industry brands, which can make a positive impact right now by switching to the alternative packaging solutions which are already available – the more that do, the quicker the pace of change. For good.”
Sainsbury’s and Argos celebrate new milestone Sainsbury’s has today reached a significant stage in its plans to bring Sainsbury’s and Argos closer together with the opening of its 400th Argos store inside a Sainsbury’s supermarket. The launch of the new Argos in Sainsbury’s Crystal Peaks in Sheffield follows the opening of two similar stores in stores in Belfast and Waltham Cross earlier this week. By offering more customers the chance to shop the much-loved brands of Sainsbury’s, Argos, Habitat and Tu Clothing under one roof, the retailer is delivering its plans to make shopping more convenient for customers. More than half of all Argos stores are now located within Sainsbury’s supermarkets, making it easier for customers to browse and collect tens of thousands of affordable technology, home and toy products whilst picking up their groceries. Argos is a technology-led business – its website is the third most visited of any UK retailer and 90% of Argos sales now originate online. The new stores in Sainsbury’s stores allow customers to benefit from Argos’s market leading Fast Track delivery and collection service, giving them the option to order products for same day collection from store in as little as four hours. Customers can also use tablets in the digital Pay@Browse area, enabling them to choose and purchase what they want quickly and conveniently instore.
Patrick Dunne, Sainsbury’s Property Director, said: “This is a fantastic milestone for us that shows how we’re continuing to invest in our estate to improve the availability of great value Argos products for customers. It’s amazing to see how far we’ve come from the opening of our first Argos store inside a Sainsbury’s in 2015 and we know our customers have enjoyed the added flexibility and convenience offered by these stores ever since.”
“ we’re continuing to invest in our estate to improve the availability of great value Argos products for customers ” In the highly competitive marketplace of the supermarket giants, it is Interesting to note that Sainsbury’s continues to look outside the box in order to add to its customer base and growing consumer appeal. SPN believes that the prospect for consumers to be able to shop for Argos, Habitat and TU at Sainsbury’s will be an attractive proposition for many.
SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING NEWS
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