Tesco, the UK’s largest supermarket chain, has initiated a new trial at some of its stores, introducing a 10p charge for clothes hangers as part of a sustainability effort.
In this pilot scheme, customers purchasing F&F clothing items are presented with the option to buy a clothes hanger for an additional 10p. Alternatively, they can choose to leave the hanger to be reused by the store. While Tesco did not disclose which stores are participating or the exact number, reports from the Mirror indicate that a small number of outlets are involved in the trial.
Reactions from customers who have encountered this new charge have varied. Some shoppers expressed surprise and dissatisfaction, labelling it as a “sneaky charge being imposed on customers.” One customer shared their experience on Reddit, recounting their astonishment upon being asked to pay 10p for a clothes hanger during checkout. They questioned the transparency of the initiative, as they had not seen any signage or information about the charge in the store.
Conversely, others have supported the trial, viewing it as a positive step towards reducing plastic waste. Advocates argue that encouraging customers to forego hangers unless necessary can contribute to environmental sustainability efforts. One supporter described it as a “little planet-saving step,” emphasizing the importance of reusing hangers to minimize resource consumption.
This trial follows Tesco’s recent collaboration with NatWest to introduce a discounted climate and sustainable finance scheme for farmers. The voluntary program aims to support farmers in adopting renewable energy sources and sustainable farming methods. Through this initiative, farmers affiliated with Tesco’s Sustainable Farming Groups for beef, lamb, and dairy can access Tesco’s preferred suppliers, potentially receiving volume discounts on renewable energy assets.
Ashwin Prasad, Tesco Group’s Chief Commercial Officer, underscored the significance of such initiatives in fostering sustainable practices within the food industry. He expressed Tesco’s commitment to supporting British agriculture while simultaneously addressing environmental concerns. Prasad highlighted the role of innovative programs in achieving Tesco’s goal of reaching net zero emissions across its supply chain by 2050.
As Tesco continues to explore new avenues for sustainability and environmental responsibility, the outcome of this trial will undoubtedly contribute valuable insights into consumer behaviour and attitudes towards eco-friendly initiatives in retail settings.
