Tesco unveils carbon footprint food labels
TESCO has become the first supermarket chain in Ireland to introduce carbon labelling showing the environmental "footprint" of nine of its own-brand products, writes Paul Melia.
Chief executive Tony Keohane told the EPA's Environmental Ireland conference yesterday that the move was designed to allow consumers choose greener products.
"Carbon labelling gives consumers a choice to select a product on the basis of its environmental impact," Mr Keohane said. "This is a significant step on the road to green consumerism and I believe that the carbon label, in time, could become as relevant as price or nutritional content on product labels."
The labels feature a carbon footprint logo and details of the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases produced during the life cycle of each product.
On the Tesco juice from concentrate cartons, the label informs consumers that the carbon footprint of the juice is 260 grams per 250ml serving.
It adds that the footprint of Tesco 100pc pure squeezed juice is 360g per 250ml serving, because more energy is required to chill and transport pure juice than concentrate.
