An investigation has shown that 70% of the soft plastics customers hand to supermarket recycling schemes don’t end up going where they might presume. Supermarket giants Tesco and Sainsbury’s have been accused of misleading customers over their plastic recycling schemes. An investigation by campaigners found that most of the soft plastic customers took back to stores with the promise it would be recycled is actually burned. The Everyday Plastic campaign group and the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA UK) tracked 40 bundles of soft plastic waste from front of store supermarket recycling schemes.
Placing trackers inside packages of soft plastic collected by Sainsbury’s and Tesco in July 2023 and February 2024, campaigners found that 70% ended up being incinerated. The soft plastic collected for recycling outside stores includes single-use bags, films, and wrapping. Most plastic collected for recycling in the UK is exported, with nearly 600,000 tonnes in 2023, a 10% increase on the previous year. In August 2023 alone, nearly 53,000 tonnes of plastic waste was exported.
Turkey topped the list for the most UK waste plastic received in 2023 at 140,000 metric tons, with the Netherlands receiving the second most at 116,500 metric tons. Responding to the investigation showing 70% of plastic in supermarket customer recycling schemes was burnt, Alison Colclough of Everyday Plastic stated, “Soft plastic packaging is not going to get recycled. The takeback schemes are being presented as a solution, diverting attention from the main issue – too much unnecessary plastic packaging is being produced.”
Katie-Scarlett Wetherall from NGO Client Earth mentioned a gulf between reality and what supermarkets tell customers about plastic recycling, claiming that claims made on packages were misleading. Countries will attempt to agree on a global plastics waste treaty, with developed countries facing criticism over cuts in plastic production. The UK exports most of the plastic collected for recycling, with a spokesperson for Sainsbury’s explaining that they are seeking ways to manage packaging’s end of life positively.
A Tesco spokesperson outlined their plan to remove packaging where possible and recycle it when not feasible. Soft plastics collection points in stores are offered to customers, with unrecyclable plastics put to alternative uses to avoid landfill. The investigation highlights the need for greater transparency and action to address the challenges facing plastic recycling schemes.