Tesco has launched a trial labelling scheme that will alert customers of greenhouse gases emitted in the production of selected products.
The scheme, launched today (29 April), aims to show how many grams of CO2 have been created in the production, packaging, distribution and disposal of around 20 products.
“The categories included are potatoes, orange juices, washing-up liquids and lightbulbs,” a Tesco spokesperson told just-food. “There are currently no plans in place to extend the scheme to other food categories.
Tesco has refused to put a timetable on rolling out the initiative across other product ranges, largely because of difficulties in accessing the carbon footprint of goods.
The move has received the backing of the UK’s government-funded Carbon Trust and environment ministry. Tesco and the Carbon Trust worked together to produce the Carbon Reduction Label.

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By GlobalDataCommenting on the move, Tesco CEO Sir Terry Leahy said: “We want to give our customers the power to make informed green choices for their weekly shop, and enlist their help in working towards a revolution in green consumption.”