Major UK retail group removes plastic from Christmas crackers

Major UK retailers Waitrose and John Lewis (both part of JLP retail group) have announced that they will be no longer be selling Christmas crackers which contain plastic toys and puzzles, from 2020.

The move – which will see both retailers switch to crackers made of cardboard wrappers, filled with recyclable materials such as metal and paper – is part of the John Lewis Partnership’s ongoing aim to reduce single-use plastics.

“Reducing the amount of single-use plastic in products and packaging is really important to us and our customers,” commented John Lewis’ head Christmas buyer Dan Cooper. “One of the challenges I face as a buyer is that we plan 18 months ahead, so it takes time for changes to become a reality.

He continued: “I’m always searching for new, more sustainable products which will make Christmas sparkle but won’t end up spoiling our environment.”

Waitrose pledged to ban glitter from all own-brand products last December, while John Lewis also said earlier this year that it would reduce the amount of glitter used to decorate its own-brand range of Christmas wrapping paper, gift bags and tags, advent calendars and crackers by two-thirds.

MORE NEWS
Copy of Progressive Preschool featured image (79)
 
Four day celebrations have been announced to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day in the UK....
Copy of Progressive Preschool featured image (77)
 
Oppo Merchandise Group has announced that Sander Visser is returning as its new key account manager Europe....
Copy of Progressive Preschool featured image (76)
 
Renowned French partyware company, Chaks is launching a Bangoberry collection, the latest brand from Santoro. ...
Copy of Progressive Preschool featured image (75)
 
Total retail footfall on Mother's Day increased 7.3% year-on-year with shopper numbers up 13.1% on Saturday 29 March....
Copy of Progressive Preschool featured image (74)
 
As Party City's bankruptcy proceedings continue, the company has closed its Amscan distribution centre....
Copy of Progressive Preschool featured image (71)
 
Brand Licensing Europe exhibitors are invited to show support by donating product samples from their stands in October. ...
Get the latest news sent to your inbox
Subscribe to our daily newsletter