Tesco, Veolia Partner on Soft Plastics Recycle Scheme to Make Garden Furniture for Community

A new recycling process is taking Tesco customers’ plastics and turning the materials into outdoor furniture and garden equipment.

Tesco is partnering with Veolia on the program, which will see difficult to recycling soft plastics like bread bags and yogurt tops and convert them into benches, decking, tables, and raised beds. The program is being coordinated by the charity, Groundwork, in partnership with NHS Property Services as well as Veolia.

“It’s fantastic to see the soft plastic that our customers are returning being turned into something new that will benefit communities and help give young people a stronger start in life. It’s still our absolute priority to remove and reduce as much plastic as possible and make sure everything we use is recycled and kept out of the environment,” said Tony McElroy, Tesco head of campaigns.

“We are really proud of the impact our social prescribing sites have had on individuals and communities – just between 2022 and 2023 we have reached 60,000 patients. This collaboration with Tesco, Veolia and Groundworks highlights the potential of innovative partnerships to not only create vibrant spaces for public benefit but also to drive positive change in healthcare and environmental sustainability. And it’s particularly special that we are repurposing soft plastics instead of increasing waste,” said Dr. Min Rodriguez, head of social impact at NHSPS.

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