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

Retailer to implement How2Recycle labeling system for private labels

Russell Redman

April 6, 2022

2 Min Read
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Southeastern Grocers said it aims to complete an 'overhaul' its private-brand packaging to make them more sustainable by the end of 2028.Southeastern Grocers

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.”

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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.

About the Author

Russell Redman

Senior Editor
Supermarket News

Russell Redman has served as senior editor at Supermarket News since April 2018, his second tour with the publication. In his current role, he handles daily news coverage for the SN website and contributes news and features for the print magazine, as well as participates in special projects, podcasts and webinars and attends industry events. Russ joined SN from Racher Press Inc.’s Chain Drug Review and Mass Market Retailers magazines, where he served as desk/online editor for more than nine years, covering the food/drug/mass retail sector. 

Russell Redman’s more than 30 years of experience in journalism span a range of editorial manager, editor, reporter/writer and digital roles at a variety of publications and websites covering a breadth of industries, including retailing, pharmacy/health care, IT, digital home, financial technology, financial services, real estate/commercial property, pro audio/video and film. He started his career in 1989 as a local news reporter and editor, covering community news and politics in Long Island, N.Y. His background also includes an earlier stint at Supermarket News as center store editor and then financial editor in the mid-1990s. Russ holds a B.A. in journalism (minor in political science) from Hofstra University, where he also earned a certificate in digital/social media marketing in November 2016.

Russell Redman’s experience:

Supermarket News - Informa
Senior Editor 
April 2018 - present

Chain Drug Review/Mass Market Retailers - Racher Press
Desk/Online Editor 
Sept. 2008 - March 2018

CRN magazine - CMP Media
Managing Editor
May 2000 - June 2007

Bank Systems & Technology - Miller Freeman
Executive Editor/Managing Editor
Dec. 1996 - May 2000

Supermarket News - Fairchild Publications
Financial Editor/Associate Editor
April 1995 - Dec. 1996 

Shopping Centers Today Magazine - ICSC 
Desk Editor/Assistant Editor
Dec. 1992 - April 1995

Testa Communications
Assistant Editor/Contributing Editor (Music & Sound Retailer, Post, Producer, Sound & Communications and DJ Times magazines)
Jan. 1991 - Dec. 1992 

American Banker/Bond Buyer
Copy Editor
Oct. 1990 - Jan. 1991 

This Week newspaper - Chanry Communications
Reporter/Editor
May 1989 - July 1990

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