Southeastern Grocers own brands move away from 'eco-unfriendly' packaging

Southeastern Grocers (SEG) plans to shift to more sustainable packaging across its own-brand portfolio by the end of 2028.

Jacksonville, Fla.-based SEG said late yesterday that it will “overhaul” its private-label packaging by phasing out the use of polystyrene and making all packaging reusable, recyclable or industrially compostable. All private-brand packaging from the retailer — whose supermarket banners include Winn-Dixie, Harveys Supermarket and Fresco y Más — also will include an average of 30% post-consumer recycled material.

The packaging transition comes in response to input from customers, associates and community members, who cited more eco-friendly packaging as their top sustainability priority.

“At Southeastern Grocers, we value feedback from our customers, associates and communities and prioritize the matters that mean the most to them,” Anthony Hucker, president and CEO of Southeastern Grocers, said in a statement. “We heard clearly that sustainable packaging is among their top concerns, and we listened. In response, we are working with our supplier partners to establish sustainable packaging goals and meet our commitments in 2028. We strive to be the grocer people can always count on, and we mean always.”

The own-brand portfolio is led by the SE Grocers brand family: SE Grocers, SE Grocers Essentials, SE Grocers Prestige and SE Grocers Naturally Better.

In addition, SEG said it’s adopting the How2Recycle labeling system for its own-brand packaging. Developed by Charlottesville, Va.-based nonprofit GreenBlue, How2Recycle is designed to take the guesswork out of recycling by communicating recycling instructions to consumers based on packaging specifications. The system follows guidance from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. Through the partnership, SEG said, shoppers will prevent more material from going to landfills.

Related:Winn-Dixie drives Southeastern Grocers’ Florida expansion

SEG’s private-label roster includes SE Grocers, SE Grocers Essentials, SE Grocers Prestige and SE Grocers Naturally Better brands plus the Fisherman’s Wharf, Lip Lickin’ Chicken, Chek, Hickory Sweet and Whiskers & Tails labels, plus the WD Brand and other labels, such as TopCare.

Overall, SEG has more than 400 Winn-Dixie, Harveys and Fresco y Más stores in Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia and Mississippi.