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White’s Oats partners with Tesco NI to enhance sustainability

Leading porridge and oat cereal producer, White’s Oats in Tandragee, county Armagh has partnered with Tesco to announce the relaunch of three of its porridge oat cereals into a more sustainable recyclable paper bag. Speedicook Porridge Oats, Jumbo Organic Oats and Organic Oat Flakes are now available in a larger 1kg bag, removing over 500kgs of packaging annually.

White’s, as part of its wider sustainability strategy, has pledged to deliver 100 percent recyclable packaging across all its products by the end of 2022 and to make it easier for consumers to choose products produced in a sustainable way. Positive gains have already been made with 93% of its packaging already recyclable and 100 percent FSC accredited.

As major stockists of White’s Oats since 1996, Tesco is one of the first retailers in Northern Ireland to supply the new 1kg bags to consumers. Tesco has been working continuously with suppliers to help them reduce packaging and plastic waste and White’s has developed its sustainability packaging credentials to ensure it aligns with Tesco and meets all the credentials for the green standard.

White’s business development manager Stuart Best said: “Through our long-standing relationship with Tesco, we know consumer behaviours have shifted and we are continually looking at innovative ways to address customer concerns around provenance, the environment and sustainability.

‘’White’s has taken a proactive approach on its sustainability journey to promoting more environmentally friendly packaging ensuring its products are not just recyclable but also align with Tesco’s reduction and waste strategy. As well as the move to a larger pack, our Speedicook and organic porridge oats are packed into block bottom bags to remove any excess packaging and to help maximise transport loads to reduce overall carbon footprint.’’

Commenting on the partnership Michael Crealey, Tesco buying manager said: ‘’Tesco Northern Ireland is committed to promoting healthy sustainable products and encouraging more sustainable buying choices by shoppers. The provenance of food and how it is packaged and disposed of are now key drivers in consumer’s purchasing decisions.

‘’As a local company, White’s is fully committed to keeping its carbon footprint low, supporting local farmers within a 60-mile radius of the mill and promoting a short supply chain from farm to pack. We welcome the positive steps White’s has taken in the packaging and marketing of its products, providing greater clarity and trust around what’s recyclable and how to recycle so shoppers can make better informed environmental decisions’.”

Michael Crealey Tesco buying manager, left, with Stuart Best of White’s Oats