Tesco has begun recycling used plastic food trays back into packaging as it looks to create a fully circular packaging solution for its range of core chilled ready meals.

In a collaboration with packaging manufacturer Faerc, PET trays are being recycled and converted back into food grade plastic trays after being recovered from customers via European kerbside waste services.

Tesco’s ready meal trays already contain up to 75% recycled content, predominantly from cleaner and easier to recycle bottle flake plastic. Through the new Tray 2 Tray by Faerch programme, a minimum of 30% recycled tray content will be included.

The new trays are being rolled out in phases this month across Tesco’s core own brand chilled ready meals.