A MAJOR supermarket is set to trial a number of new initiatives aimed at cutting back on packaging in its Oxford store.

From today, Waitrose's branch in Botley Road will become a test-bed for the rest of the country as the retailer tries to find ways of saving thousands of tonnes of unnecessary plastics.

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The shop has been transformed and hundreds of items have been taken out of their packaging to judge how customers might be prepared to shop differently in the future.

It runs for 11 weeks until August 18.

Tor Harris, head of corporate social responsibility for Waitrose & Partners, said: "We are determined to build on the work we’ve already done to reduce packaging.

"This test will take our efforts to a whole new level as we help the growing number of customers who want to shop in a more sustainable way.

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"It has huge potential to shape how people might shop with us in the future so it will be fascinating to see which concepts our customers have an appetite for.

"We know we’re not perfect and have more to do, but we believe this is an innovative way to achieve something different."