Premier Foods has shrunk the amount of packaging used in its Bisto gravy drum in a bid to reduce the brand’s environmental impact.
The height of each drum has been reduced by 8mm in a move that will save 40 tonnes of paper annually.
It sounds simple, but the reduction meant major changes at Premier’s Bisto production line in Worksop. This included replacing sensors so that the shorter drums could be detected, as well as making changes to the drum’s sealing and capping machines.
From now on, shoppers will receive an additional 20g of gravy granules – approximately six more portions per tub – in packaging that uses less environmental resources. The price per portion is unchanged.
The changes apply to all variants, which include Chicken, Onion, Turkey and Vegetable.
Savan Sabharwal, Marketing Controller for Bisto, commented: “Reducing the size of our drum is a great example of how small changes can ladder up to make a big difference. We’re really pleased to have found a more sustainable solution.”
As well as the height reduction, Premier is exploring alternative materials for the recyclable plastic lid used on drums.
Premier hopes to be using 100% recyclable materials by 2025.
