Coles trials removal of single-use plastic produce bags in select stores
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In 2021, major Australian grocery chains including Woolworths, Coles, ALDI, and others signed a pledge to phase out single-use plastic packaging in favour of recyclable or compostable materials by 2025.
Their commitment is a part of an industry-wide initiative called the ANZPAC Plastics Pact, which aims to reduce the amount of plastic packaging trash that is dumped on landfills or finds its way into waterways.
That's probably why you've been hearing more and more about supermarkets' green initiatives in the news over the past year, as they try to make shopping more sustainable and protect the environment.
Coles is the most recent supermarket to launch another initiative to phase out single-use plastic.
It seems that, as of the beginning of next month, a regular sighting in the fresh fruit section will soon be a thing of the past! Can you guess what it is?
Coles will remove single-use plastic produce bags from ACT stores to encourage buyers to bring reusable bags. Credit: Eden Magnet.
Yes, you guessed right! The single-use produce bags customers often use to bag fruit and veggies will be phased out in the following weeks.
This month, Coles will try out a ban on plastic bags for fresh produce in supermarkets in the ACT. This is part of a larger effort to cut down on waste from single-use plastics.
From September 14, single-use plastic fresh produce bags will no longer be available for purchase in any of the 12 Coles stores located in the ACT.
But don't worry, members: Coles won't leave you struggling without a bag for your fruit and veggies!
A free 3-pack of reusable mesh fresh produce bags made from 90% recyclable materials will be given to ACT customers from August 31 through September 13 who purchase $5 on fresh produce in-store.
Customers will be asked to bring their own reusable bags to the store, or they can buy reusable mesh bags for fresh produce there.
According to estimates, the program will save roughly 11 tonnes of plastic annually, and the trial period will let Coles decide if they should implement the ban on a national scale.
With a $5 purchase of fruit and vegetables at Coles, customers can get a set of three reusable produce bags. Credit: Coles.
While paper bags will still be offered in the fresh produce department for shoppers to pack their mushrooms, Coles Online orders and delis will continue to use plastic produce bags. (Sadly… but let's hope they change this soon as well!)
The supermarket giant has also taken steps to eliminate needless plastics in its own brand of products, such as eliminating the plastic scoops that come with their washing powders.
What do you think about this news, members, especially our members in the ACT? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
Their commitment is a part of an industry-wide initiative called the ANZPAC Plastics Pact, which aims to reduce the amount of plastic packaging trash that is dumped on landfills or finds its way into waterways.
That's probably why you've been hearing more and more about supermarkets' green initiatives in the news over the past year, as they try to make shopping more sustainable and protect the environment.
Coles is the most recent supermarket to launch another initiative to phase out single-use plastic.
It seems that, as of the beginning of next month, a regular sighting in the fresh fruit section will soon be a thing of the past! Can you guess what it is?
Coles will remove single-use plastic produce bags from ACT stores to encourage buyers to bring reusable bags. Credit: Eden Magnet.
Yes, you guessed right! The single-use produce bags customers often use to bag fruit and veggies will be phased out in the following weeks.
This month, Coles will try out a ban on plastic bags for fresh produce in supermarkets in the ACT. This is part of a larger effort to cut down on waste from single-use plastics.
From September 14, single-use plastic fresh produce bags will no longer be available for purchase in any of the 12 Coles stores located in the ACT.
But don't worry, members: Coles won't leave you struggling without a bag for your fruit and veggies!
A free 3-pack of reusable mesh fresh produce bags made from 90% recyclable materials will be given to ACT customers from August 31 through September 13 who purchase $5 on fresh produce in-store.
Customers will be asked to bring their own reusable bags to the store, or they can buy reusable mesh bags for fresh produce there.
According to estimates, the program will save roughly 11 tonnes of plastic annually, and the trial period will let Coles decide if they should implement the ban on a national scale.
With a $5 purchase of fruit and vegetables at Coles, customers can get a set of three reusable produce bags. Credit: Coles.
While paper bags will still be offered in the fresh produce department for shoppers to pack their mushrooms, Coles Online orders and delis will continue to use plastic produce bags. (Sadly… but let's hope they change this soon as well!)
The supermarket giant has also taken steps to eliminate needless plastics in its own brand of products, such as eliminating the plastic scoops that come with their washing powders.
What do you think about this news, members, especially our members in the ACT? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!