Coles Supermarkets, one of Australia’s leading grocery chains, has recently unveiled a significant shift in its packaging policy, aiming to be more environmentally conscious. The change, which has been met with both applause and criticism, involves replacing traditional plastic grape bags with paper-based ‘handbags’. This move is part of a broader initiative to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainability.
The switch to paper bags was initially trialled in Victoria and Tasmania, and following its success, Coles has decided to implement this change across all its stores nationwide. During the trial period in Victoria alone, more than 64 tonnes of plastic were saved from ending up in landfills. This is a commendable step, considering Australians are responsible for consuming over 3.7 million tonnes of plastic and other pollutive substances annually.
As the new grape packaging hits the shelves, shoppers have taken to social media and online forums to voice their opinions. Some customers have expressed their satisfaction with the change, praising Coles for taking a step towards environmental responsibility. ‘Grabbed them today, happy they changed,’ one shopper commented, while another added, ‘I’m so impressed. This is such an easy change that will make a big difference.’
However, not all feedback has been positive. Some shoppers have raised concerns about the practicality of the new bags. Questions about the durability of the paper handles and the potential for the bags to tear, much like their plastic grocery bag counterparts, have been brought up. Additionally, a few customers have pointed out that the opaque nature of the paper bags prevents them from inspecting the grapes for quality before purchase.
The conversation has also sparked a broader discussion on the need for more significant changes to reduce waste. Suggestions from customers include reviving the traditional butcher section and eliminating the use of separate plastic bags for individual items in click-and-collect or online orders. ‘How about, instead, we bring back loose grapes?’ one customer proposed, highlighting a desire for even more radical shifts towards sustainability.
Coles has acknowledged the mixed reactions and is actively exploring other ways to reduce unnecessary plastic in their stores, particularly in the produce section. Last year, they trialled plastic-free blueberry packaging in New South Wales, which featured recycled, FSC-certified cardboard punnets that could be recycled kerbside. They also tested recyclable bags for mandarins, which reportedly saved over 11,700 kilograms of plastic in a year.
The supermarket giant is committed to continuing its journey towards more sustainable packaging solutions. ‘We were impressed by the response we received when we launched the trial of grapes in recyclable bags last season and look forward to sharing more packaging innovation with our customers in the future,’ a Coles spokesperson stated.
Do you welcome this new initiative, or do you think it’s more of a hassle than it’s worth? What other changes would you like to see from supermarkets to help reduce plastic waste? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below – let’s keep the conversation going!
Also read: As Coles slashes its product range, will well-known brands disappear from supermarket shelves?
How about Cole’s and woolies, start using paper for all their in-house cookies and biscuits, donuts etc
They come in huge plastic containers, such unnecessary use of plastic and a damn nuisance to recycle as they are so bulky. I cut them in half so they don’t take up so much space.
Rather than having the produce already ‘bagged’, we can select what we want, then weigh them (with a product code given on the price tag, like the weighing station for loose ‘select your own’ products).
Then when you’re at the register, scan the barcode, and you’re on your way. No having to weigh & possibly select the incorrect item from the many you may be given.