There were important challenges for the suppliers when implementing
this recycling strategy with the second-generation plastic
tray. Many of these suppliers had already experienced the benefits of
successful change by Tesco and were open to the credibility of the new
recycling strategy. During the phase of growing the use of the plastic
tray business, a multifunctional team from Tesco would invite
suppliers in small groups to visit an RSU and ask them to bring along
their products. After an induction and walk around the RSU, the
suppliers were normally impressed with the physical scale of the operation.
However, they had issues to discuss: some could be resolved
quickly; others were more difficult. For example, the supplier knew
that corrugated boxes provided a good-quality product branding with
coloured slogans, designs and even pictures. When a whole display of
boxes was put out in the store it provided a very strong impact. Plastic
trays did not offer this. But this was an issue they had to weigh up for
themselves, and they had to find other ways of promoting their brand
image.