PCC Community Markets, Seattle, Wash., introduced a collection of new compostable deli containers to its 11 Puget Sound, Wash.-area stores. This change will eliminate more than 8 million pieces of petroleum-based plastic packaging from the supply chain each year, which accounts for more than 80% of the plastic packaging used in PCC’s scratch-made deli. The container is one item in the retailer’s growing collection of compostables, with the goal to eliminate all petroleum-based packaging from its deli by 2022.

“We are one of a few grocers in the country committed to eliminating plastics at such an ambitious scale,” says Brenna Davis, vice president of social and environmental responsibility. “According to scientists, plastics persist in the environment for generations, and over 700 marine species are impacted by them. PCC wants the scratch-made food served in our deli to be both good for you and good for the environment. And, for us, that includes the ingredients from which it’s made and the packaging in which it’s served.”

The new “compostable” logo will be printed on much of the retailer’s compostable deli packaging, including the new deli half-pint, pint and quart containers, cold and hot drink cups, cup sleeves, soup containers, napkins and pizza boxes.

PCC began to reduce its use of petroleum-based plastics in 2007 when it eliminated plastic grocery bags from all stores. The co-op introduced compostable trays in its meat and seafood department in 2010, and replaced plastic straws and utensils with compostable alternatives in 2015.

The co-op anticipates rolling out additional sustainable and functional packaging in its deli in 2020. The retailer is also exploring a zero-waste approach that would encourage shoppers to take part in reducing packaging by using their own containers in the bulk section.