Asda makes change to popular item after Sainsbury's and Lidl decision

Asda has announced it is removing traditional plastic tray packaging across its beef and lamb mince range.

Asda has made a big change to its beef products - as it follows in the footsteps of Sainsbury's and Lidl. Asda has announced its standard beef and lamb mince range has been moved to vacuum packaging.

This step follows the grocer's decision to move its Just Essentials range to a lighter and recyclable flexible plastic film alternative last year. The packaging, which is now available in stores and online, contains 60% less plastic than the previous version.

An Asda spokesman said: "We're focused on delivering great value for our customers, without compromising on the quality of our products. By using vacuum sealed pouches across more of our beef and lamb mince products, we're doubling the shelf-life of these products, which reduces food waste and helps customers save money in the process. This change will also see 60% less packaging used, reducing the number of trucks on the road and lowering carbon emissions."

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The supermarket has confirmed its Excellence range, however, remains in its current packaging.

It comes after Sainsbury's expanded its controversial packaging change to its mince meat products with lamb mince now being sold vacuum-packed. The supermarket chain has announced that it will be swapping its traditional, plastic tray packaging for a new vacuum-packed alternative across its entire fresh lamb mince range.

And last year Lidl revealed plans to introduce new vacuum-packed, recyclable packaging across its beef mince range, resulting in a plastic reduction of almost two thirds (63%). The smaller packs provide a valuable space saving, which will also result in up to 350 delivery trucks being taken off the road per year.

Shyam Unarket, Lidl GB’s Head of Responsible Sourcing & Ethical Trade, said: “Plastic reduction is a huge priority for us, and this one change will reduce the amount of plastic in each pack by a whopping two thirds, culminating in the elimination of over 250 tonnes of plastic from packaging a year.

"However, we also recognise the important role that plastic plays in our daily lives. That’s why it’s hugely important that our plastic reduction strategy is centred around a progressive circular programme. By ensuring that any new packaging is recyclable, we’ll be able to help prevent plastic pollution in our environment.

“When the new packaging arrives in store early next year, we know that the huge benefits both from a sustainability and practical perspective, will be welcomed by our customers.”