Articles | Giant step for green consumers

Giant step for green consumers

Published: Tuesday, 29 April 2008, 7:44AM

Supermarket giant Tesco has launched a labelling system showing the carbon footprint of groceries.

The information will appear on 20 items including Tesco own-brand light bulbs, potatoes, orange juice and washing detergent.

The goods will carry a figure representing the amount of carbon produced in the manufacturing process.

The measure has been developed by the Carbon Trust and Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in collaboration with BSI British Standards.

The labels will also bear a footprint logo, an endorsement from the Government-funded Carbon Trust.

Retailers who use the labels must commit to reducing their carbon impact over a two-year period.

Other big names that have decided to include carbon figures on their labels include Walkers crisps, Boots and innocent Drinks.

Tom Delay, chief executive of the Carbon Trust, said: "Tesco is one of nine partners to commit so far to using the Carbon Trust's Carbon Reduction label and momentum on this important issue is growing week by week.

"We hope today's announcement will further catalyse action from other manufacturers and retailers to drive more and more carbon out of their supply chains and products."