Tesco Tests Sustainable Labeling

U.K.-based Tesco is using lasers to pilot writing product information on some of its avocadoes to reduce plastic waste by avoiding barcoded stickers, reports Reuters. The technology removes a minimal top layer of avocado skin to present product information, including the size and variety of the fruit.

Tesco said the recent avocado initiative is being made jointly with central England-based Westfalia Fruit. Roughly 270 stores are piloting the trial, with plans to roll out across all locations if successful, according to the report. The findings add that a full rollout would save nearly a million plastic stickers a year on its loose, extra-large avocados.

The retailer is working to achieve a net zero carbon emissions goal by 2025 across its operations. Plastic usage minimization is an important part of its environmental commitments. Full Story (Subscription Required)