Online packaging presents a unique opportunity as it doesn’t require the same shelf presence as in-store packaging. We are actively redesigning our Own Range packaging and working with suppliers to prioritise sustainability while still fulfilling its essential role of protecting products and minimising food waste. Our focus is on innovative solutions that prevent waste from being generated in the first place.
93% of Ocado Own Range packaging is recyclable.
Since 2021, we have removed 141 tonnes of Own Range packaging (September 2023).
We have eliminated 24.5 million unnecessary Own Range packaging components (September 2023).
In 2022, Ocado Retail launched a world’s first trial featuring ‘unique-every-time’ QR codes in our milk bottles for customers to scan their empty containers and recycle them at home. Following the trial’s success, we joined forces with Polytag and Bower in July 2023 to debut a world-first digital deposit return scheme (DDRS) pilot for our milk bottles. Although a deposit was not paid, customers scanned the unique-every-time QR code and received a 20p reward.
Ocado's new first to market format will see steaks double stacked, one on top of the other, which delivers the same amazing quality & freshness but uses 50% less plastic. This new format will help us to eliminate 8 tonnes of plastic packaging annually.
Ocado Retail designed a compact online sandwich platter to perfectly fit in the reusable totes used for customer deliveries without compromising the product integrity and eliminating damages. The cut sandwiches were placed flat on the trays to maintain the freshness and extend life. The recyclable tray and lid used 100% post-consumer recycled PET and were designed for easy openability as well as tight closure eliminating tamper evident labels.
The Ocado Own Brand apple range in a fully recyclable innovative linerless printed paper lid applied to a nested cardboard tray replaced the hard to recycle bubble wrap and label. This new technology gives the product the same protection, doubles packing speed and improves supplier production efficiency. The new pack eliminates nearly 12 tonnes of hard to recycle plastic annually and 1.2 million fewer labels avoiding unnecessary waste to landfill.