Coles will phase out plastic fresh produce bags in ACT supermarkets as part of an ongoing effort to reduce single-use plastic waste – a first for a major Australian supermarket chain.
The plastic produce bags, also known as barrier bags, will be removed from all 12 supermarkets across the ACT in a trial beginning September 14.
During the trial, customers are encouraged to bring reusable options for their fruits and veggies, and reusable mesh fresh produce bags will be available for purchase in-store.
In preparation for the phase-out, Coles will provide customers with three-pack reusable mesh fresh plastic produce bags – made with 90 per cent recycled material – for a minimum spend of $5 on fruits and veggies.
Matt Swindells, chief operations and sustainability officer, Coles, said the initiative is expected to reduce an estimated 11 tonnes of plastic each year.
“Under our Together to Zero waste ambition, we are always looking for ways to reduce reliance on unnecessary and problematic single-use plastics packaging and provide sustainable solutions to our customers,” said Swindells
He added that the ACT trial would determine if the supermarket chain will consider a nationwide rollout of the plastic produce bag ban.
The plastic produce bags will still be available in delis and online purchases. Paper bags will still be available in the fresh produce section for customers to pack their mushrooms.
In further efforts to reduce plastic waste, Coles recently introduced Marine Reusable Shopping Bags made with 80 per cent recycled plastic, including 20 per cent of marine waste collected from beaches, coastal areas, and waterways. Earlier this year, the company also removed unnecessary plastic scoops from its Own Brand products.
