The move comes on the back of new independent consumer research which found that 50% of customers surveyed now understand the correct meaning of the term ‘carbon footprint’, compared to only 32% of people surveyed in 2008.
The survey also revealed that customers increasingly want to be ‘green’. Over half said they that would seek lower carbon footprint products as part of their weekly shop, compared to only 35% last year. They felt it was important to have the right information about the carbon impact of products to help them make informed choices.
Tesco community and government director, David North, said: “The pint of milk is an iconic part of British family life, so we’re using it to play an important, new role in helping our customers understand climate change, the carbon footprints of products, and what steps they can take to help. Milk is not only one of the biggest sellers in store, it’s also prominent on breakfast tables day in and day out across the country, so we think carbon labels on milk can play a great part in raising awareness and helping customers navigate the new carbon currency.”
With methane emissions from cows accounting for a large proportion of milk’s carbon footprint, Tesco is working to reduce these emissions alongside the dairy industry and farmers through the Tesco Sustainable Dairy Group and Dairy Centre of Excellence.
“We’re currently embarking on a number of research projects to reduce the carbon emissions from milk production,” said North. “For example, we’re working on using different feeds that may help reduce methane emissions from cows, and encouraging the use of renewable energy on farms.”
Source: Tesco
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