It is not an April Fool's prank: As of April 1, Netto Marken-Discount will be the first grocer in the discount segment to sell organic carrots in a sugarcane bag instead of plastic, for two weeks. In this promotional period, customers will receive the German carrots in all of Germany's approximately 4,200 net branches in a 2 kilogram bag. By using the more sustainable packaging solution, Netto saves 85 percent plastic. The cane bag is 99 percent recyclable and can easily be recycled.
The campaign is the next step in the comprehensive sustainability commitment of Netto Marken-Discount. Since the beginning of 2019, the grocer has also been selling apples nationwide in a package that 
consists of 40 percent sun-dried grass (FSC Mix Karton). Grass is a fast-growing natural product in relation to other raw materials. In addition, the packaging solution has a low water and energy consumption; lower than that of cardboard shells made from virgin fibers.
Natural Branding
Since 2018, Netto has also had "natural branded" organic ginger in its nationwide product range. Lettering is applied by a laser to the peel; there is no plastic outer packaging, label or sticker. This will save more than 43 tons of packaging per year. In the further course of 2019 and 2020, additional measures are planned to avoid the use of plastics.
Step by step, more sustainable own-brand products
Netto Marken-Discount has long been pursuing the goal of making the packaging of its own-brand products more sustainable. With about 5,000 items and a focus on fresh produce, Netto has the largest food selection in the discount landscape.
Farewell to the disposable tableware
At the beginning of 2019, the grocery retailer permanently removed one-off plastic knives, forks, spoons, cups and shot glasses from the product range. Thus, Netto Marken-Discount has sent a positive signal and has already reacted before a EU-wide ban on various disposable plastic articles has come into force.
For more information on the commitment of Netto Marken-Discount for more sustainability: www.netto-online.de/sustainability.