Environment
1988 - Packaging Claims and Product Policy
A new policy is introduced to reduce the environmental impact of Co-operative Brand products where
possible without affecting performance or price. The Co-operative will not use 'Environment Friendly' or other such meaningless claims on Co-operative
Brand products.
1988 - Recycling
The recycling symbol is used on certain goods and the recycled content is detailed on pack. The recycling facilities at
retail outlets are extended. Where safe and practical, Co-operative Brand packaging is made from recycled materials.
1990 - CFC's
Aerosol retailers and manufacturers endorse safer alternatives by following the lead of the Co-operative, which switched its stock
of aerosols to alternative gases in 1987.
1992 - Pesticides
After pioneering the use of integrated crop management (ICM) on its own farms, the Co-operative joins with other retailers
and farmers to develop crop protocols. These are designed to minimise the use of chemicals, whilst providing safe food at affordable
prices.
1996 - Bag it and Bin it
The Co-operative supports the campaign to Bag It and Bin It, which highlights the damaging effects that careless
disposal of personal hygiene products can have on the environment. Therefore where applicable Co-operative Brand products carry the bold heading
'BAG IT AND BIN IT - Don't flush it' and recommend that all insoluble products are 'bagged' and 'binned' and not flushed down the toilet.
1996 - World Wildlife Fund Group
The Co-operative joins WWF 95 + Group. The group has a broad membership and is committed to sourcing wood from
well managed sources and ensuring the well being of the native population. The criteria are set by the Forestry Stewardship council.
1998 - Marine Stewardship Council
The Co-operative registers support for the Marine Stewardship Council and works together to ensure
sustainable marine fisheries by promoting responsible, environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable fishing
practices.
1999 - Lindane
Co-operative suppliers are the first to be told to ensure that Lindane is not being used as an agricultural treatment for fresh
produce or Co-operative Brand products sold in its stores. This follows mounting concerns over the effects of the chemical on human health. A
halt is called to the use of Lindane on the 85,000 acres of land the Co-operative farms. Lindane is eliminated from domestic gardening products
sold in its stores.
2000 - Environment Management System
The Co-operative is committed to introducing a co-ordinated environmental management system (EMS) across
its family of businesses. A pilot programme is currently underway in Co-operative Travelcare, Britain's largest independent travel agent, and
provides a useful insight into the practices of managing the environmental impact of a multi-site retail operation.
2001 - Closing the Loop
The Co-operative introduces a unique and exciting scheme whereby the wastepaper generated at our head offices is used to
make products which are then sold through Co-operative stores throughout the UK, hence 'Closing the Loop'. For Co-operative 100% Recycled Toilet
Tissues and Co-operative 100% Recycled Kitchen Towels our scrap office wastepaper, previously sent to landfill in the general waste stream, is
now collected, recycled and, via our paper product suppliers, made into these products which we sell in our own shops.
2001 and 2002 - Green Apple Awards
The Co-operative's commitment to the environment is rewarded by receiving a Green Apple Award in 2001 for
the Closing the Loop scheme outlined above and also in 2002 in recognition of its policy to reduce pesticides.
2002 - Degradable Bags
The first Co-operative launches Britain's first 100% degradable carrier bag, to help reduce landfill waste. Although the
Co-operative bags are 100% degradable, they are just as strong as non-degradable carrier bags and can still be reused. This move was supported
by instore point of sale encouraging reuse.
In 2004 we moved all our Co-operative sliced bread bags to degradable material.
And, in June 2005, we switched our entire pre-packed produce range to degradable bags.