TACKLING plastic waste is now an priority for supermarket giant Morrisons, which outlined a number of eco-friendly initiatives last week to help tackle plastic pollution.

The supermarket has promised to make all of its own-brand product packaging reusable, recyclable or compostable by the end of 2025, as well as signing WRAP’s UK Plastic Pact to help transform the way the industry uses plastic.

Currently, 82 per cent of the plastic used in the supermarket’s packaging is recyclable, but to achieve 100 per cent Morrisons plans to remove unnecessary packaging, allow customers to bring their own containers for meat and fish from the fresh counters and fit water fountains into all new stores.

Gareth Nutland, who does his main shop at Morrisons in Cepen Park North, Chippenham, every week, was delighted with the news when he spoke to the Gazette &

Herald on Tuesday.

He said: “I think it’s a great idea. I think the biggest problem are the products which come in plastic which are not recyclable, so it’s good to see Morrisons tackle it.

“They are doing quite a lot of good initiatives actually, especially the wonky vegetables policy, all which benefit the environment.”

Another shopper, Helen Fielding, from Somerset, said: “Anything to tackle plastic pollution is a positive step.

“I think a lot of people were horrified by the scenes on Blue Planet and it is good to see big supermarket chains do everything they can to reduce negative impact on the environment.”

Alongside the other initiatives, Morrisons also plans to remove packaging from fruit and vegetables, phase out black plastic trays for meat and fish by the end of 2019, and ensure that all customers can fill up a water bottle for free in a store’s cafe.

Morrisons is now taking action after a recent survey revealed plastic reduction is the third most important issue for customers.

David Potts, chief executive of Morrisons, said: “Reducing the damage caused by plastic is one of the most challenging issues society can address.

“Because we make most of the fresh food we sell, we’re in an important position to make changes to our packaging.

“Joining WRAP’s Plastic Pact also offers a special opportunity to work collaboratively to take this opportunity.”

The store has previously committed to not purchasing plastic drinking straws, buying only cotton buds with paper stems rather than plastic ones and no longer offering 5p single use carrier bags to customers.