Retailers and brands across the world are doing what they can to create positive, sustainable change in our environment. From the beauty industry to fashion and beyond. Now, one of South Africa’s largest retailers has stepped up their recycling game, too. With a goal to reduce their carbon footprint, Shoprite’s Checkers has introduced a new range of trolley baskets with a difference.
In with the old
On the journey to becoming more environmentally friendly, Checkers’ new trolley baskets are made from old, recycled milk bottles and will be distributed in their supermarket stores across South Africa.
As part of The Shoprite Group, Checkers is pioneering the push for incorporating more reused and recycled materials across the entire retail group.
IOL reported that Checkers announced this on Monday the 14th of November 2022, boasting that the initiative would see the company divert more than 40 tons of recyclable material from landfill.
Checker’s trollies initially contained 35% of recycled plastic, which was implemented in 2018. Now, Checkers is the first and only major South African retailer to offer shopping baskets made from 100% recyclable material!
The classic trolley basket will be made from 180 recycled milk bottles, while smaller baskets made from 110 of these old bottles.
Checkers has a history of commitment to environmental wellness. This is not the first act of environmental change they’ve made. We’re here for it, go Checkers!
ALSO SEE: The 7 pillars of wellness and how to balance each one
At the frontier of eco-initiatives
According to a press release, here are some of the other environmental initiatives led by Checkers:
- Nine years ago, they became the first national retailer to introduce shopping bags made from 100% recycled content in its store.
- In 2018 Checkers introduced “planet” bags, rewarding customers every time they re-use the bag.
- Earlier this year, Checkers became the first South African retailer to replace its rotisserie chicken packaging with fully recyclable, responsibly sourced cardboard boxes.
- They were also the first retailer to recycle sanitising wipes from its supermarkets.
- Checkers Sitari is the first premium South African supermarket to run entirely on renewable energy.
In another press release, Sanjeev Raghubir, Shoprite Group Sustainability Manager said:
“We’ve set ambitious targets to reduce our environmental impact and will continue to step up our efforts to reach these as part of our wider sustainability strategy. This change is just one of several initiatives we have introduced across our operations.”
ALSO SEE:
Finalists for Twyg Sustainable Fashion Awards 2022 announced
Featured Image: Supplied
