The move is expected to save 252 tonnes of plastic annually and over four million pieces of plastic across eight lines

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Tesco to replace the plastic tubs of its laundry detergent pods with new recyclable cardboard packaging. (Credit: Tescoplc.com)

British retailer Tesco has unveiled its plans to replace the plastic tubs of its laundry detergent pods with new recyclable cardboard packaging.

The move is expected to save 252 tonnes of plastic annually and over four million pieces of plastic across eight lines.

According to Tesco, the box has a thin plastic liner inside to protect the pods and is made of more than 90% recycled cardboard.

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified cardboard box can be placed in the typical household recycle bin after it is empty, the retailer claimed.

Additionally, Tesco is introducing larger pod packs for families that provide even better value. The range will include three products, bio, non-bio and scented, which will cost £5.50 for 40 washes.

Tesco Group quality director Sarah Bradbury said: “Customers are focused on getting great value right now, but we know that they still want to choose products that use less or no plastic in their packaging.

“This is one of many changes we’re making to reduce unnecessary plastic from products right across our stores.”

The move is part of Tesco’s 4Rs packaging policy, which was developed to combat the effects of plastic waste.

The British firm aims to recycle what is left after removing plastic where it can and reducing it where it cannot.

As of now, Tesco has eliminated 1.8 billion pieces of plastic and reduced packaging by more than 10,000 tonnes since the 4Rs policy was introduced in August 2019.

Currently, the company is producing fruit drinks, chips, and cheese with less plastic.

In September last year, Tesco announced a new trial in collaboration with the toothpaste brands to remove cardboard boxes from toothpaste packaging.

The trial intended to study the consumer’s reaction when branded toothpaste is no longer offered in unnecessary cardboard boxes. The tubes will be sold loose, free from the outer cardboard box in the trial.