Retailer Co-op has announced the launch of its plastic-free Christmas wrapping paper range.

The business has removed the plastic film from around the rolls of Christmas wrap, which it said will save almost a million pieces of plastic as it continues its commitment to sustainability, removing unnecessary plastic from its packaging and products.

Claiming to be at at the forefront of removing plastic and unnecessary packaging, Co-op replaced plastic stems from cotton buds almost 15 years ago and removed black (so called 'vanity') plastic from shelves in 2019.

Research by GWP Group shows consumers in the UK will use 227,000 miles of wrapping paper each year and that more than 1032 miles of this will end up in waste bins.

Co-op said its new look Christmas wrapping paper is fully recyclable and provides a sustainable alternative to combat the huge amount of waste.

The full gifting range, including crackers, cards and accessories which are also 100% recyclable, with all ribbons changed to a cellulose based plastic free material and bag handles and cracker contents being changed to paper or a more sustainable option.

Simon Robinson, product developer at Co-op said: "Last year we made great strides to reduce our use of plastic in our Christmas range, and this year we have gone above and beyond, with plans to launch the most sustainable gifting range in 2022.

"We're looking forward to a Christmas that will hopefully be a little more normal and the gift of giving will be back in full swing."