Ó Crualaoi Butchers and Delicatessen has launched its ‘ÓCruaware – Reducing Our Environmental Footprint’ initiative in Cork. Pictured at the launch are Noel McNamara (manager at Ballincollig store) with customer Olwen Long and Micheál Ó Crualaoi (proprietor). (Picture: Brian Lougheed)

Ó Crualaoi Butchers and Delicatessen has launched its ‘ÓCruaware – Reducing Our Environmental Footprint’ initiative with the aim of reducing their non-recyclable packaging by up to 15%.

The significant initiative will encourage customers to bring their own reusable containers when shopping, and will be rolled out across the company’s in their Fermoy store as well as in Wilton and Ballincollig.

The main objective of the ‘ÓCruaware’ initiative is to reduce plastic packaging on customer purchases, thereby reducing their environmental footprint.

“On average, each customer receives 20 grams of packaging in each transaction, which would equate to over 200kgs per week for our customers. That is a significant amount of plastic waste, therefore, we are encouraging customers to embrace the initiative by using reusable containers.

“Metal containers are the best as they last longer and can be recycled at end of life. This year, our aim is to reduce our non-recyclable packaging by 10% – 15%,” explained Micheál Ó Crualaoi, chairman of Ó Crualaoi Butchers and Delicatessen.

“I believe we should all make a positive contribution to a cleaner, greener environment. Buying food unwrapped is the single biggest impact our customers can make, as well as bringing a ‘bag for life’ when they shop.”

In Ireland, an average of 61kgs of plastic waste is produced per person annually, which is almost double the UK figure and the highest in Europe.