Asda, one of the leading supermarket chains in the UK, has taken a significant step by becoming the first to convert all of its own-brand toilet rolls to double length. This initiative will result in the removal of 74 tonnes of plastic and a saving of 760 tonnes of cardboard annually.
By doubling the amount of toilet paper per roll and reducing the number of rolls per pack, Asda has made a remarkable reduction in its consumption of cardboard and plastic. This change equates to eliminating more than 1,200 lorries from the road each year.
The newly introduced Shades double toilet rolls, which have obtained FSC accreditation, are now available for purchase in-store and online as of today (Monday). They are offered across all seven existing lines, along with a new pack size in the popular Quilts and Coconut fragranced packs. The range starts with a multipack of two double rolls, which contains the same number of sheets as a four-pack of standard toilet rolls. Asda's Just Essential toilet rolls have already been available in a double roll format.
This transformation allows customers to reduce their plastic waste, and Asda's toilet roll plastic packaging can be recycled at more than 150 Asda stores. Customers can conveniently bring the packaging to one of the front-of-store recycling points for plastic bags and wrappings, ensuring it is recycled and minimizing their environmental impact.
Sarah Yorke, Buying Manager – Household Paper at Asda, expressed the importance of this change, stating, "Shades toilet rolls are one of our most popular own-brand products, so to be able to make this change and help reduce both our customers' and our own carbon footprint without compromising the great quality of our product is an incredibly significant step for us."
Furthermore, the packs, which consist of 30% recycled content, will also display support for Bowel Cancer UK's #GetOnARoll campaign. This effort aims to increase customer awareness by featuring signs and symptoms of bowel cancer on Shades and Just Essentials toilet roll packaging. The packaging will also include a QR code that customers can scan to access further information.
As part of its commitment, Asda has donated £50,000 to the charity, providing support for future initiatives that aim to save lives and enhance the quality of life for individuals affected by bowel cancer.
