Tesco launches paper-wrapped pocket tissues to save 35 tonnes of plastic

Tesco has started packaging its pocket tissues in recyclable paper to save almost 35 tonnes of new soft plastic being created each year.

The UK’s biggest supermarket said the change to its own-brand pocket tissue multipacks would save more than 55 million pieces of soft plastic.

As opposed to boxes of tissues, the pocket version tends to be used on the go, meaning the plastic packaging has a higher chance of ending up in the environment.

The new paper packaging works just as well as the old plastic wrap but is more sustainable

Since mid-December, both the individual packs and the wrap that surrounds the multi-packs of Tesco’s Gentle White and Balm tissues have started moving into Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified paper packs.

The supermarket believes it is the first to make the change to its own-brand pocket tissues.

Tesco campaigns manager Courtney Pallett said: “Unlike boxes of tissues, the pocket version tends to be used on the go and can all too easily become litter.

“The new paper packaging works just as well as the old plastic wrap but is more sustainable.”

The retailer said it had removed almost 2.2 billion pieces of plastic from its operations since 2019, including plastic bags from deliveries, lids from products such as wipes, creams, yoghurts and desserts and wrap around tinned multipacks and greeting cards.