Returnable items are processed for collection and reuse by suppliers and packaging waste is baled for recycling to work towards Tesco's goal of diverting 95% of its in-store waste

In 2008, the RSUs contributed more than 80% of the 400,000 tonnes of Tesco's recycled material, the equivalent of 85% of the total packaging it produced.

Tesco set up the recycling service unit system in 1995. Today it employs 800 people and handles more than 225 million trays and flower buckets a year.

The RSUs recycle more than 300,000 tonnes of card and plastic a year.

Norbert Dentressangle declined to provide more information when contacted by Packaging News.