Tesco are lasering barcodes on avocados to reduce packaging
By Staff on Friday, May 31, 2024
Tesco is trialling the use of laser technology to etch barcodes onto avocados instead of using stickers, in an effort to reduce environmental impact.
High-powered lasers will remove a tiny section of the skin on extra-large avocados, creating a “tattoo” that displays size and variety information.
This process, taking just a third of a second, is designed to help reduce plastic waste from packaging and stickers.
Westfalia Fruit, Tesco’s avocado supplier, has confirmed that extensive trials ensure the quality, shelf life, and taste of the avocados remain unaffected.
Tesco, which sells nearly 70 million avocados annually, has seen a 15% increase in demand over the past year.
The supermarket chain is also testing the replacement of plastic tray packaging with recyclable cardboard containers.
