Coles donated 20 million kilograms of food, or the equivalent of 39.8 million meals, to people in need in the last financial year, according to the retailer’s 2024 ‘Sustainability report’.
Released last week, the report also reveals that Coles is on track to achieve its 100% renewable electricity target by June next year. Electricity generated by renewables including wind and solar accounted for 45% of the retailer’s total grid electricity consumption last financial year. Solar panels are now installed on 100 supermarkets, liquor stores and distribution centres nationally.
Coles notes a number of other sustainability efforts from FY24:
- The retailer awarded $3.7 million to Australian producers to help them drive sustainability and innovation as part of the Coles Nurture Fund.
- Coles increased the percentage of Coles Own Brand packaging that is recyclable to 87.4%, including the release of mandarins and grapes in paper bag packaging.
- 42.5% of women in leadership roles, against a target of 40%.
- Coles removed 500 million pieces of plastic from Coles Own Brand packaging since 2021.
- The retailer increased the percentage of team members who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander to 3.6%, up from 3.5% last financial year.
- Coles contributed $38.5 million in community support to promote health outcomes and build resilience in communities.
- The retailer reduced Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 34.5% since FY20.
- Coles diverted 86.7% of waste from landfill, achieving the target of 85% one year ahead of schedule.
A collaborative approach
Coles Chief Operations and Sustainability Manager Matt Swindells says he’s proud of what Coles has achieved over the year and calls out the retailer’s collaborative approach as key to its results.
“Coles isn’t alone in facing significant environmental and social issues, and our approach is to work collectively with our team members, suppliers and partners to drive more sustainable outcomes,” he says.
“We’re proud to have more women in leadership positions than ever before, and a pay parity gap of less than 1%. These examples are testament to how we’re working hard to make Coles an inclusive workplace where all team members can come to work and feel respected and valued.
“We recognise times are tough for many Aussies at the moment, and to be able to donate the equivalent of 39.8 million meals to vulnerable Australians last financial year is a key achievement for us.
“Looking, ahead we’re going to continue to integrate sustainability into our business and work in lockstep with our suppliers and other partners to improve environmental and social outcomes. We’re also developing a Climate Transition Plan that will bring together our longer-term targets to reduce emissions, address nature-related impacts and drive circularity, and ultimately create a more sustainable future.”