Coles' new BYO container program – what you need to know
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Coles seems to be leading the pack when it comes to efforts to reduce packaging waste in grocery stores!
The supermarket giant revealed last week that it would gradually phase out single-use plastic bags from its produce section. Customers will instead receive a free 3-pack of reusable mesh fresh produce bags made of 90% recyclable materials to hold their fruit and veggies (select stores only).
And now they're after the single-use plastic bags in the deli!
Coles now encourages customers to bring their own reusable containers when purchasing deli items in an effort to cut down on unnecessary packaging.
Coles will try out the plan in eight South Australian stores. Credit: Janie Barrett.
Customer participation in the trial of BYO (bring-your-own) containers will be entirely voluntary and will begin in South Australia.
Even if a consumer forgets to bring a container, the store can still wrap and scan their deli products at the register.
Here is a full list of the eight stores in South Australia that are part of the trial.
However, despite how appealing the idea of this initiative may be, it is subject to its own set of rules and conditions.
Customers must bring their own containers, which must be 'intact,' clean, and with a resealable cover. Glass or ceramic materials are also not accepted.
These containers are also prohibited for use with self-serve cheese items, BBQ products, frozen prawns, deli salads, and hot meals.
If you meet the requirements, all you have to do is hand your container to a Coles deli worker, who will weigh it and fill it with the cold cuts or other deli goods you want.
Coles recently released reusable mesh bags for fresh produce. Credit: Facebook.
Andy Mossop, General Manager of bakery, deli, and seafood at Coles stated that the trial's goal was to determine how best to balance the impact on the environment with the need to maintain high food safety standards.
'As part of our Together to Zero Waste ambition, Coles is always looking for ways to reduce reliance on unnecessary packaging while giving customers sustainable options to help them complete their shop,' he said.
'We are trialling bring-your-own containers at a handful of Coles supermarket delis in South Australia to understand how best to provide this option to customers while continuing to meet stringent food safety standards.'
The store representative also mentioned that they would be keeping a sharp eye on how shoppers in South Australia responded to the trial.
Whether or if they decide to expand this to more stores in South Australia or elsewhere in Australia will depend on the comments and feedback they receive from the customers.
Shoppers were confused with one of the container requirements. Credit: Coles.
While the introduction of the plastic-free campaign has gone off without a hitch, several customers have expressed confusion over a particular requirement for the container.
Since glass and ceramic containers are not allowed, customers would have to bring their own plastic containers.
Yes, plastic—the one material they had hoped to avoid.
Since single-use bags and plastic tableware are now prohibited, some shoppers were confused by the sustainability project's reliance on plastic containers.
'Shame there's no glass containers allowed, but still a good move,' one person wrote in a comment, with another adding, 'I only have glass, so it's completely useless for me.'
Meanwhile, a third user said this only adds to the number of 'crap' they have to take to the store.
Glass and ceramic containers couldn't be used due to the possibility that they may break and injure someone, a Coles representative informed online news outlets.
People responded, though, that they were worried that shoppers would bring in 'dirty' containers and cross-contaminate the deli goods.
'As much as I love the reusable option. I have fears about this. People will be bringing in manky containers that have sat in their cars for two days to refill,' one person wrote, with another asking, 'How does this cover them for food poisoning?'
What do you think, folks? Do you have the same worries as these shoppers? Or do you think this is something that should be done in every supermarket? Please share your thoughts in the comments!
The supermarket giant revealed last week that it would gradually phase out single-use plastic bags from its produce section. Customers will instead receive a free 3-pack of reusable mesh fresh produce bags made of 90% recyclable materials to hold their fruit and veggies (select stores only).
And now they're after the single-use plastic bags in the deli!
Coles now encourages customers to bring their own reusable containers when purchasing deli items in an effort to cut down on unnecessary packaging.
Coles will try out the plan in eight South Australian stores. Credit: Janie Barrett.
Customer participation in the trial of BYO (bring-your-own) containers will be entirely voluntary and will begin in South Australia.
Even if a consumer forgets to bring a container, the store can still wrap and scan their deli products at the register.
Here is a full list of the eight stores in South Australia that are part of the trial.
- Firle
- Unley
- Bridgewater
- Blackwood
- St Peters
- Burnside
- Mount Barker
- Murray Bridge
However, despite how appealing the idea of this initiative may be, it is subject to its own set of rules and conditions.
Customers must bring their own containers, which must be 'intact,' clean, and with a resealable cover. Glass or ceramic materials are also not accepted.
These containers are also prohibited for use with self-serve cheese items, BBQ products, frozen prawns, deli salads, and hot meals.
If you meet the requirements, all you have to do is hand your container to a Coles deli worker, who will weigh it and fill it with the cold cuts or other deli goods you want.
Coles recently released reusable mesh bags for fresh produce. Credit: Facebook.
Andy Mossop, General Manager of bakery, deli, and seafood at Coles stated that the trial's goal was to determine how best to balance the impact on the environment with the need to maintain high food safety standards.
'As part of our Together to Zero Waste ambition, Coles is always looking for ways to reduce reliance on unnecessary packaging while giving customers sustainable options to help them complete their shop,' he said.
'We are trialling bring-your-own containers at a handful of Coles supermarket delis in South Australia to understand how best to provide this option to customers while continuing to meet stringent food safety standards.'
The store representative also mentioned that they would be keeping a sharp eye on how shoppers in South Australia responded to the trial.
Whether or if they decide to expand this to more stores in South Australia or elsewhere in Australia will depend on the comments and feedback they receive from the customers.
Shoppers were confused with one of the container requirements. Credit: Coles.
While the introduction of the plastic-free campaign has gone off without a hitch, several customers have expressed confusion over a particular requirement for the container.
Since glass and ceramic containers are not allowed, customers would have to bring their own plastic containers.
Yes, plastic—the one material they had hoped to avoid.
Since single-use bags and plastic tableware are now prohibited, some shoppers were confused by the sustainability project's reliance on plastic containers.
'Shame there's no glass containers allowed, but still a good move,' one person wrote in a comment, with another adding, 'I only have glass, so it's completely useless for me.'
Meanwhile, a third user said this only adds to the number of 'crap' they have to take to the store.
Glass and ceramic containers couldn't be used due to the possibility that they may break and injure someone, a Coles representative informed online news outlets.
People responded, though, that they were worried that shoppers would bring in 'dirty' containers and cross-contaminate the deli goods.
'As much as I love the reusable option. I have fears about this. People will be bringing in manky containers that have sat in their cars for two days to refill,' one person wrote, with another asking, 'How does this cover them for food poisoning?'
What do you think, folks? Do you have the same worries as these shoppers? Or do you think this is something that should be done in every supermarket? Please share your thoughts in the comments!
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