Coles introduces new sustainable product made from recycled ocean waste — “A great example of reducing plastic bags and packaging”
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We're all becoming more conscious of the importance of reducing our reliance on single-use plastics.
So, it's great to see companies like Coles taking action to reduce waste and help clean up our environment.
With the introduction of its new sustainable product, the retailer fulfills its pledge to aid with sustainability efforts.
The new Coles Marine Reusable Shopping Bags are made with 80% recycled plastic, including 20% marine waste plastic.
The marine waste plastic used for the products is recovered from ocean-feeding waterways and inland areas primarily within Malaysia.
Coles introduces new Marine Reusable Shopping Bags that are made with 80% recycled plastic, including 20% marine waste plastic. Credit: National Tribune.
Not only will these bags help reduce the need for "virgin" plastic, but the 10% donation from every sale will go towards Clean Up Australia's Buy Recycled program.
The initiative is also the retailer's contribution to the federal government's "Australia's 2025 National Packaging Targets" — the government's effort to increase the production of recycled content instead of producing more plastic.
Thinus Keevé, Coles’ Chief Sustainability, Property and Export Officer, confirmed that the initiative is the company's way of reducing its need for virgin plastic and removing waste from the environment.
He said: “We’re proud to be providing practical and convenient shopping bags which make it easier for our customers to shop while supporting a circular economy for plastic bags and packaging.”
“We encourage our customers to reuse their bags as often as possible, but when they do reach the end of their useful life, these bags can be recycled through soft plastic collections in any our stores at the REDcycle drop off points."
“Coles and our customers have collected more than 2.3 billion pieces of soft plastic through REDcycle since 2011 and we plan to continue this journey to divert plastic packaging from landfills.”
Coles confirmed that the initiative is the company’s contribution to the goals of the federal government to increase the production of recycled material instead of producing more “virgin” plastic. Credit: Getty Images.
Clean Up Australia Chair Pip Kiernan praised the retailer for its initiative, noting that the introduction of reusable shopping bags was a "great example" of how corporations can use recycled material to create a circular economy solution to plastic waste.
“It’s great to see the recycled content Marine Reusable Shopping Bag available as an option for shoppers across the nation. It’s a clear demonstration of how material once considered waste has been used to create a useful, reusable bag,” she quipped.
“Coles and their customers have, since 2018, already played an important role in Clean Up efforts in communities across Australia through the provision of materials purchased from the proceeds of fundraising from reusable community bags and Coles Liquor’s Drop of Good campaign.”
Customers can get their hands on the Marine Waster shopping bag at Coles supermarkets in all states except WA for 25c each.
The new marine waste shopping bags are just the latest example of the supermarket giant's commitment to reducing its environmental impact. With these bags, customers can help reduce the amount of plastic pollution in our oceans – and they'll be doing their bit to help save marine life, too.
Coles is also rolling out reusable mesh produce bags across the country. These bags are made from 90% recycled material, meaning they'll help reduce the need for single-use plastics.
This is a great initiative and one that we hope other supermarkets will follow suit on.
What are your thoughts on this? Do you think it is high time for other retailers to do the same initiative? Let us know your opinions in the comments below!
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