Asda has launched a major environmental drive involving more than 70 of its leading suppliers.

The retailer has recruited leading sustainability company 2degrees to run an online project that will look for ways to reduce their use of water, energy and waste.

“One of the major challenges of our sustainability strategy is that many targets are out of our direct control,” said Julian Walker-Palin, head of corporate sustainability at Asda.

“The potential ‘wins’ for both our customers and our suppliers are considerable so we have been looking at ways to engage. This is not about Asda demanding things from our suppliers but about working with them to help them become more sustainable.”