Waitrose to Begin Cork Recycling Scheme in Select UK Locations

Starting next week, Waitrose will roll out cork recycling trials to select UK stores as part of a new recycling scheme.

The grocery chain will encourage customers to deposit used, natural corks at select locations. The corks will then be sent to Amorim, the largest cork processing group in the world, for recycling. Recycling corks can be used to produce mulch, or used to make products like flooring, home furnishings, insulation, and more.

“Waitrose customers get through nearly 25 million natural corks a year. Currently, this valuable material does not have its own waste stream which means it ends up in landfill. Cork is a durable material and has the potential to be repurposed into a variety of products after it has been used as a wine cork,” said Barry Dick, Waitrose Sourcing Manager for wine.

“This trial is a fantastic way for us to reduce waste and play a part in improving our sustainability as a category.”

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