World Environment Day is just around the corner, and Woolworths is making huge moves in terms of sustainability.
The supermarket has removed approximately 9000 tonnes of plastic packaging from circulation over the last four years*.
This is because the supermarket is working towards transitioning its entire Own Brand range to recyclable, compostable or reusable packaging by 2023.
The packaging has been changed on more than 550 products, which has seen almost 800 tonnes of plastic removed from produce, and around 600 tonnes removed from bakery products.
Additionally, approximately 400 tonnes yearly removed from milk bottles since 2018.
“More and more customers want to reduce their plastic use, and we’ve taken approximately 9000 tonnes of plastic out of our packaging over the last four years to make it easier for them to shop more sustainably,” Woolworths Supermarkets Head of Sustainability, Adrian Cullen says.
“We’re proud of the progress we’ve made in going greener, but we know there’s plenty more to do and will continue to make changes to cut plastic in the products our customers put in their shopping baskets.
“Some plastic packaging is necessary to preserve food and minimise food waste, so where we can’t remove it, we’re challenging ourselves to reduce it. We’re also working to include more recycled plastic to minimise its impact.”
In October this year, Woolworths will also remove all single-use plastic tableware like cutlery, cups, plates and bowls from sale nationwide.
To help divert household soft plastic from landfill, Woolworths offers soft plastic recycling through its network of REDcycle collection bins, available in every store.
Battery and mobile phone collections bins will also be rolled out across its 1000 supermarkets by August.
To learn more, visit the Woolworths 2025 Sustainability Plan page.
*Plastic reduction calculated based on sales volumes, approximately forecast based on the volume of sales the year prior to packaging improvements being implemented.