Coles has committed to phasing out soft-plastic shopping bags in-store and online by the end of next month.
The remaining supply of soft-plastic bags will be run down in the coming weeks before Coles ceases the sale of all soft-plastic bags by the end of June.
Coles Group Chief Operations and Sustainability Officer Matt Swindells says the decision to end the sale of soft-plastic bags nationwide, both in-store and online, is an important step in meeting the supermarket’s sustainability ambitions.
“Today’s decision to no longer offer soft-plastic bags at the checkout is proof of our commitment to reduce the amount of plastic used in our stores and online. This positive change will remove 230 million plastic bags from circulation in one year,” he says.
“The most sustainable option is to bring your own reusable bag to the supermarket, but for those who forget, we will continue to sell 100% recycled paper bags that can be recycled kerbside, as well as other reusable options.”
The 100% recycled paper bags are available to purchase in-store for 25¢ and can be recycled kerbside. Customers can also select from a range of reusable tote bags ($1 to $2.50) and chiller bags ($2.50). From next week, paper bags will be used for home delivery and click-and-collect orders where customers also have a bag-free option.
Reusable fresh produce bags made from 90% recycled material are also available across Coles supermarkets nationally. Plastic bags made with 50% recycled plastic remain available in the fresh produce department, excluding in the ACT where they have been replaced with compostable bags made from plant-based corn starch.
To further reduce the use of bags across the business, Coles is currently trialling a new initiative called Swap-a-box in selected states that allows customers to use a reusable box when making click-and-collect orders.