In today's shopping landscape, many shoppers also think about the sustainability of their products or produce.

A leading supermarket chain recently unveiled a surprising makeover to their beloved fruit range.

To achieve sustainability, Coles ditched traditional plastic net bags for its Unique Selection Mandarins and introduced an eco-friendly alternative.

The supermarket giant confirmed that the citrus fruit will now come in 100 per cent recyclable paper bags.

Coles discontinued their plastic nets for mandarins to introduce recyclable paper bags. Image Credit: Pexels/Engin Akyurt

The new packaging was designed to be recycled kerbside, making it easier to dispose of.

This initiative is expected to substantially reduce plastic waste, with an estimated 11,700 kg of plastic to be saved in just one year.

With over one million of these bags predicted to be sold between April and October, Coles is taking a commendable step in reducing its environmental footprint.

Charlotte Gilbert, Coles's General Manager of Fresh Produce, expressed excitement over the update.

'We know how much our customers love mandarins at this time of year, so we're pleased to offer them in a new paper bag that can be put in your recycling bin once you've had a chance to enjoy them,' she said.

For those who prefer to select their mandarins individually, Coles still offers the option to purchase them loose.

This includes the beloved Imperial and Afourer varieties, with more than 16 million tonnes of the citrus fruit expected to be sold across Coles stores this season.

The supermarket's move garnered praise from environmental organisations, including Planet Ark CEO Rebecca Gilling.

'It's very positive to see Coles designing packaging to avoid plastic waste and provide Aussies with a recyclable alternative to a plastic net bag,' she shared.

'While we support buying loose and reusing bags where possible, we commend Coles for its work to close the recycling loop and provide customers with products that can be easily recycled.'

The new 800 g packets of mandarins are now available in all states and territories, excluding Western Australia, with prices starting from $5.50.

This initiative is part of a broader trend in the retail industry to reduce plastic usage and promote sustainable practices.

Shoppers will contribute to a healthier planet for future generations by choosing these new recyclable paper bags.

They're the same delicious mandarins—just in a more sustainable package.

So, the next time you're at Coles, consider picking up a pack of mandarins in the new recyclable paper bags.

It's a small step that can make a big difference.

Key Takeaways

• Coles discontinued plastic net bags for their mandarins and introduced packets in 100 per cent recyclable paper bags.
• The change is expected to reduce plastic use by 11,700kg annually, and the paper bags can be recycled kerbside.
• Coles expects to sell more than one million paper bags of mandarins this season and more than 16 million tonnes of citrus fruit.
• Planet Ark CEO praised Coles for its move towards better sustainability and providing recyclable packaging alternatives.

Have you spotted these new paper bags at your local Coles yet? What do you think about this move towards sustainability? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

 

[Clancieblue]

When I was a kid the fruit shop always used brown paper bags. The bags were recycled for school lunches.

 

[youngoldlady]

So why does WA miss out again. Love to see a pic of the bag.

 

[Luckyus]

So more paper and less plastic rubbish, blowing in the wind

 

[Veggiepatch]

This includes the beloved Imperial and Afourer varieties, with more than 16 million tonnes of the citrus fruit expected to be sold across Coles stores this season.

I honestly doubt that every man, woman and child consumes an average of 600 kgs of Coles citrus fruit during the year. Let alone in a lifetime!

 

[Wandiwa]

This includes the beloved Imperial and Afourer varieties, with more than 16 million tonnes of the citrus fruit expected to be sold across Coles stores this season.

I honestly doubt that every man, woman and child consumes an average of 600 kgs of Coles citrus fruit during the year. Let alone in a lifetime!

Yep, I think it might be 16 million kgs.

 

[Pam White]

This includes the beloved Imperial and Afourer varieties, with more than 16 million tonnes of the citrus fruit expected to be sold across Coles stores this season.

I honestly doubt that every man, woman and child consumes an average of 600 kgs of Coles citrus fruit during the year. Let alone in a lifetime!

If you reread the information it says, "16 million tonnes of citrus fruit" which means all citrus fruits. You have added the word "the" which wasn't in the the original story.
Do read carefully.

 

[Oldgirllaughing]

If you reread the information it says, "16 million tonnes of citrus fruit" which means all citrus fruits. You have added the word "the" which wasn't in the the original story.
Do read carefully.

Having checked 3 times, I suggest YOU read more carefully.

 

[Pam White]

Having checked 3 times, I suggest YOU read more carefully.

• Coles expects to sell more than one million paper bags of mandarins this season and more than 16 million tonnes of citrus fruit.

This is one of the quotes. There is no "the" between the words "of" and "citrus".
So the comments refers to all citrus fruits not just mandarins.