Iceland Foods is set to enhance its offering with new airtight packaging for beef mince, set to replace the traditional plastic tray. This innovative approach is projected to extend the shelf life of the product by nearly 50%, resulting in a longevity of approximately two and a half weeks.
In a notable first for supermarkets, this sustainable packaging is also being introduced simultaneously for pork mince, underscoring Iceland’s commitment to food and drink sustainability.
This strategic switch not only brings quality improvements but also significantly reduces Iceland’s plastic footprint. The new vacuum packaging utilizes 50% less plastic compared to traditional alternatives, positioning Iceland as a leader in sustainable packaging solutions within the food and drink sector.
Consequently, the supermarket anticipates a reduction of approximately 35 tonnes of plastic waste annually. Following a successful 12-week trial in 50 UK stores earlier this year, the innovative packaging will be rolled out in over 1,000 stores nationwide and available online this month.
Additionally, the new packaging design promotes size efficiency, thereby aiding in reducing Iceland’s carbon footprint. Zach Nowell, category buying manager for fresh meat and poultry at Iceland Foods, stated: “We’re always striving to provide our customers with the best products we possibly can, and making sure that we’re listening to what is important to them.”
Nowell further emphasized, “Our new vacuum-packaged beef mince means our customers are getting the same quality-assured beef mince they love, but with an even longer shelf life. We’re thrilled to also be leading the way as the first UK supermarket to roll out this packaging for pork mince.”
He added, “Now more than ever it’s important for families to get the best value for money when doing their weekly shopping, and our new packaging offers a wider selection of longer-lasting quality products.”
Moreover, Stuart Lendrum, director of product, process, and sustainability at Iceland Foods, remarked: “As we continue to minimize Iceland’s impact on the environment with new innovations, this sustainable switch will see a 50 percent reduction in plastic for our beef and pork mince products, as well as a reduced number of trucks on the road needed to transport it.”
