Big supermarket uses grass for packaging

We’re well aware of the quest to make packaging production more sustainable but one supermarket has taken it to a whole new level. Waitrose have collaborated with not one but two Welsh universities in order to create packaging made from Welsh ryegrass. The STARS (Sustainable Ryegrass Products) project aims to make packaging that releases as little carbon dioxide as possible during production; therefore making it better for the environment. Quentin Clarke, head of sustainability at Waitrose, said: “Waitrose is working hard to use easy to recycle, sustainable materials for its packaging, so there is a natural synergy between this project and Waitrose’s approach to “Treading Lightly” and reducing its environmental footprint. “Moving to easily recycled fibre-based packaging for foods, where this can show positive environmental benefit, is something we’re keen to develop and a key element of this project will be engaging with the public from an early stage to ensure we are delivering solutions that meet their needs. We look forward to trialling prototypes with key stakeholders.” (Quote taken from www.packagingnews.co.uk) It’s good to see big corporations and institutions take responsibility for the future of the planet. At Wessex Packaging, we look forward to seeing how this initiative develops in the coming months and years. Our packaging is environmentally friendly because there is very little wastage in our bespoke packaging products. Because no job is too big or small, we are able to create the packaging exactly how the customer requests it without having to cut down bigger pieces to fit the brief.