Last week, in a blaze of media attention, Sainsbury’s announced that it would be replacing 3,550 tonnes of oil-based plastic packaging with compostable alternatives, such as plastics derived from sugarcane, cornstarch and cellulose.

“Our customers tell us that they don’t want any GM products,” said Stuart Lendrum, the retailer’s print and packaging manager. He told PRW.com that Sainsbury’s will not use polylactic acid (PLA) made from genetically modified (GM) crops in its packaging.

At present, Sainsbury’s is not using any PLA in its compostable packaging. But Lendrum would not be drawn on whether Sainsbury’s was in discussions with any suppliers of non-GM PLA.

The move by Sainsbury’s is the latest round in the ‘green wars’ between Britain’s giant retailers. IKEA recently said it was switching over to biodegradable plastic carrier bags, but PRW understands that Sainsbury’s has no such plans.