The well-known grocery outlet in Middleton, Leeds, has been transformed into the first Asda sustainable store. If this pilot lives up to its promise of making eco choices easy and affordable for customers, Asda intends to adapt the model across many other outlets next year. Customers can buy package-free foods, recycle, and reuse, with Asda emphasizing value for money during the launch. As eco-shopping often costs more, the retailer has promised to make green choices affordable and effortless.
Although sustainability and the fight against climate change have featured less prominently in recent months, shoppers are still likely to view this move as a positive one. Many consumers have been asking for package-free options which have been lacking in many supermarkets. Asda has partnered with many well-known brands including Quaker, Kelloggs, Lavazza, and PG Tips. In the sustainable Asda store in Middleton, you can now buy many staple foods from bulk containers by filling your own containers. Fruit and vegetables either come in paper bags or package-free while laundry detergents, shampoos, and conditioners are among products available as refills.
Asda is also partnering with the Salvation Army. During an initial three-months trial, shoppers can drop off their unwanted bric-a-brac and clothing thus raising much-needed funds for the charity. Pre-Loved clothing is selling vintage fashion from famous brands.
Customers can return used plastic and glass bottles, cans, and clothes hangers to the first reverse vending machine.
Speaking at the launch of the Asda sustainable store, President and CEO of Asda, Roger Burnley said:
“Today marks an important milestone in our journey as we tackle plastic pollution and help our customers to reduce, re-use and recycle. We have always known that we couldn’t go on this journey alone, so it is fantastic to work in tandem with more than twenty of our partners and suppliers, who have answered the call to test innovative sustainable solutions with us.”
Asda sustainability move receives broad welcome
With people across the globe ever more climate-conscious, Asda’s efforts to take sustainability into mainstream shopping have gained supports across the board. UK Greenpeace’s lead plastic campaigner, Nina Schrank, said:
“The new sustainability store reflects what people are looking for—the opportunity to go plastic-free. Asda have bought what used to be a niche shopping experience into the mainstream, under one roof. We hope this store is the first of many. We need to see much more of this from across the supermarket sector.”
Value for money – the ultimate buy-in
With eco-friendly products often more expensive, Asda launched its ‘Greener at Asda prices’ campaign viewing it as a way to entice consumers to make planet-friendly choices. Richard Burnley said:
“We want to give them the opportunity to live more sustainably by offering them great product choices and value, underpinned by a promise that they won’t pay more for greener options at Asda.”
The supermarket giant has set ambitious sustainability targets. Since 2018, Asda has reduced the plastic components on its own-brand products by over nine tons. Within the next five years, it has promised to eliminate a further three billion pieces of plastic. By 2023, Asda is planning to offer customers another 40 refillable items.
