Abel and Cole Impact Report 2021

OUR PACKAGING EXPLAINED

Learn how to cut back on waste, with a quick look at our returnable and reusable packaging. The more we collect from your door, the more waste we can save.

Refuse

Our reusable Boxes

Zero pointless plastic

We only use packaging if it genuinely serves a purpose, like preventing food waste. That means there’s zero pointless plastic in our boxes. Sometimes, plastic actually is the best material for the job – as we discovered when we designed our Club Zero sustainable, refillable milk bottles. So, when we do use plastic, you know we’ll have thought about it long and hard, and that it’s there for a good reason.

Refuse

Compostable plastics

Compostable plastics

We’ve analysed extensive research and are no longer confident that compostable plastic breaks down in the UK waste system the way it should. We’re listening to the science and taking action, so you’ll no longer find it in our core Fruit & Veg Boxes. And we’ve been supporting our makers to remove it from the rest of our range.

Refuse

Low-plastic boxes

Our low-plastic boxes

We’re constantly challenging ourselves to use as little packaging as possible for our seasonal, farm-fresh fare. And we’re incredibly proud to have 77% less plastic on average in our weekly Fruit & Veg Boxes, compared to four major supermarkets, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Ocado and Waitrose.

Reuse

Club Zero

Club Zero

Want to send single-use plastic packing? Make a sustainable switch with Club Zero: our award-winning refillables deliveries. We’ll drop your planet-friendly, weekly essentials straight to your door, in returnable and reusable packaging.

Reuse

Our reusable Boxes

Our reusable boxes

We reckon we’ve saved over 81 million plastic bags, all thanks to our handy, recycled box string. It’s what keeps our returnable cardboard boxes in great condition, to be reused time and time again. And to keep things cool, we line our boxes with reusable, sustainable Woolcool® insulation

Recycle

Plastic pick-up

Plastic Pick-Up

We know that kerbside recycling has its challenges. So to help you send less to landfill, we introduced Plastic Pick-Up: our game-changing doorstep recycling scheme. We’ll collect hard-to-recycle flexi plastics from your home, from any retailer. And transform it into building groundsheets.

Wondering what to do with your Abel & Cole box or whether you can recycle your paper bag? Head to our Packaging FAQs, here