Retail-store firm Spar has announced that it is targeting plastic waste reduction by assessing the full supply chain ranging from sourcing to end consumer.
Image: Spar and its partners are implementing various initiatives to reduce plastic waste. Photo: courtesy of SPAR International.
The independent partners of the food retailer are setting targets and implementing various initiatives to focus on the use of plastics and reduce waste.
Spar’s global yet local approach allows partners and retailers to enhance their impacts as solutions are designed to meet the requirements of individual markets.
Spar noted that it strives to commit to a circular economy in all areas of focus on plastic waste reduction. The retailer has taken significant steps to replace plastics with sustainable alternatives.
Spar has placed specific focus on plastic produce bags for the fresh produce sections and plastic carrier bags for the check-out counters.
To reduce plastic waste, Spar partners have started providing available alternatives for consumers, including paper bags, biodegradable or compostable bags, and reusable/long-life bags.
Spar South Africa has launched new brown paper carrier bag, woven carrier bag and large carrier bag South Rand, North Rand and Lowveld divisions.
Spar Austria has launched paper bags for fruits and vegetables as an alternative to plastic bags in all Interspar stores, in addition to reusable polyester produce drawstring nets across all Spar stores across the nation.
Spar Austria is also providing reusable carrier bags and bio-based long-life bag that is biodegradable after use for the customers.
Spar Zimbabwe has launched carrier bags sourced from Spar South Africa, while Spar Sri Lanka is providing reusable and washable drawstring produce nets to the customers.
The company is also planning to reduce the environmental footprint in the daily operation of coffee corners and deli’s due to increasing availability of food-to-go solutions in its stores.
Spar Ireland has launched 100% compostable and biodegradable coffee cups across Spar and Eurospar stores, as part of its efforts to replace single use plastic products.
Spar partners are working suppliers to decrease product packaging or integrate sustainable materials. It is mainly focusing on reduction of packaging for products and non-food items.