Waitrose launches new pasta in boxes made from food waste

British supermarket Waitrose has launched two new gluten-free fusilli pastas, packed in boxes that are partly made from salvaged food waste.

The two new pastas are made entirely from green peas and red lentils. As a few peas and pulses don’t make the grade during production of the pasta, they are used to help create the box in which the pasta is packed, rather than simply being discarded.

The environmentally friendly packaging option, made from 15% food waste, reduces the use of virgin tree pulp by 15% and lowers greenhouse gas emissions by one-fifth. The result is a box which can be in direct contact with the pasta, eliminating the need for an inner sleeve within the pack. The pasta box is also 100% recyclable.

As well as an eco-conscious decision, Waitrose has said, the fusilli pastas are a nutritious decision as well; each portion is high in protein, a good source of fibre and one of five recommended daily portions of fruit and vegetables. It’s also good news for those with a gluten intolerance, as both the green pea and red lentil pasta are completely free from gluten.

Jo Heywood, Waitrose pasta buyer, said: “Pasta is such a staple product for many families, so it’s exciting to be offering our customers a pasta with a twist, both nutritionally and environmentally. We’re always looking at ways to cut down on our packaging, use more sustainable materials and reduce our food waste, so we’re pleased to be working towards all three of these targets with this new launch.”

Both pastas will be available from Monday 1 August with a retail price of £1.99 for a 250g pack.