The Co-operative is claiming a UK first with the launch of a 100% biodegradable Fairtrade wine carrier in November.

The reusable carrier (rsp: £2.49) is largely made from Fairtrade cotton, but has been reinforced with PVA-coated jute to make it rigid and strong enough to hold six wine bottles.

Production has created 70 jobs at a mill in a village in India. As well as benefiting the cotton growers who get a Fairtrade premium, the mill will use some of the profits to back local charitable projects.

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