As part of its ‘Together to Zero’ sustainability campaign, Coles Own Brand are trialling the replacement of plastic bread tags with new cardboard varieties.
The substitute is made from 100% paper-based recycled content and are recyclable in kerbside recycle bins.
Its trial commenced in June, with a view to roll out in 2022, and will apply to 254 varieties of Coles Own Brand bread, including both in-store baked bread and pre-packaged loaves. Once rolled out nationally, this will result in the diversion of approximately 223 million pieces of plastic or 79 tonnes from landfill each year.
“At Coles, we are committed to reducing single-use plastic and we want to ensure wherever possible that we work with our suppliers to make our packaging recyclable and made with recycled content,” says Coles General Manager of Bakery, Deli and Seafood Andy Mossop.
“We’re listening to our customers who have told us in a recent survey that reducing waste to landfill and plastic packaging was the number one concern when it comes to environmental issues in retail, with 69% of those surveyed saying it was of high importance to them.
“We are proud that this move towards cardboard bread tags means all components of our Coles Own Brand soft-plastic bread packaging will become recyclable.”
Customers will need to place the tags securely inside other paper or cardboard products, such as a used envelope or paper bag to ensure it is recycled correctly.
Coles is additionally working with its bakery partners, including Goodman Fielder on this plastic tag removal initiative.
Head of Sustainability for Goodman Fielder Mick Anderson adds, “Our new cardboard bread tags, which will be used on Coles Own Brand pre-packaged loaves, are durable and have undergone rigorous testing and development. We have used material which is high-quality, ensuring both strength and flexibility to keep bread tags tied in line with customer expectations.
“We are proud to partner with Coles on reducing the impacts of both plastic and food waste, as part of our shared sustainability vision.”