Asda is set to scrap plastic tray packaging across its fresh chicken range in stores.
The supermarket will instead switch to new pouches to bag up its chickens, which it says will reduce the plastic packaging previously used by up to 50%.
Shoppers will see the new packaging used on chicken thighs in the coming weeks across its 639 stores.
By the middle of summer, it will be used on its entire chicken range including whole birds, drumsticks, legs, diced breasts, and mini fillets.
It follows a successful trial last year on mini-fillets and diced breasts in some stores last year.
Asda says the move will save 450 tonnes of plastic a year and comes as part of its “use less and recycle more” commitment.
The supermarket has so far removed 9,000 tonnes or plastic and is committed to removing three billion pieces of plastic from own-brand products by 2025.
Earlier this year, Asda said it was ditching plastic bags for its fruit and veg - meaning customers now need to bring their own or pay 30p for a reusable bag.
Rival store Sainsbury's removed free plastic bags for fruit and veg in stores and replaced them with 30p versions last year.
Tesco has also axed plastic bags for online shopping deliveries – it now uses green crates instead.
And, in an update last year, Morrisons said it is replacing all plastic bags for life with paper ones that cost 30p.
But Asda says it is the first supermarket to switch to the new pouches for chickens products.
Asda’s poultry buying manager Lisa Barret said: “The change in poultry packaging marks the next step in our commitment to use less and recycle more, something which we are very passionate about as we strive to make all our own-brand packaging 100% recyclable by 2025.
“The move means customers don’t have to prioritise plastic reduction over grocery decision making, ensuring the nation can continue purchasing quality poultry at the same price.”
