Coles is taking the lead by introducing certified compostable bags in the fresh produce aisles of its South Australian stores, a full year before the upcoming state regulation that prohibits plastic produce bags. This move is part of South Australia’s broader strategy to phase out environmentally detrimental single-use plastics.
Matt Swindells, the Chief Operations and Sustainability Officer at Coles Group, emphasised that this transition to compostable bags across the 54 stores in South Australia will not only curb the volume of plastic heading to the landfill but also enhance household food waste recycling.
He pointed out the efficiency of South Australia’s waste management system, saying, “South Australia’s exemplary waste and recycling infrastructure has paved the way for us to provide this compostable alternative for fresh produce to all our customers in the state.”
Highlighting the benefits, he said, “These newly introduced compostable bags can conveniently be thrown in the green bin or added to home compost piles. This change alone will prevent 28 million plastic produce bags from being used in a single year. Moreover, customers can repurpose these compostable bags in their kitchen waste bins, reducing the requirement to purchase separate bags.”
The compostable bags Coles offers are derived from sustainable sources like corn starch. They bear the ‘Seedling logo’, a certification confirming the bags meet the Australian compostability standards.
Moreover, as an added effort to promote eco-friendly practices, Coles has reduced the price of a three-pack of reusable mesh produce bags from $3 to $1.50 nationwide. This is part of the ‘Great Value, Hands Down’ campaign initiated in August.
To further its commitment to sustainability, Coles has extended its ‘Bring Your Own Container’ program to all its South Australian outlets after a successful pilot. This initiative lets shoppers get select deli products packed in their containers, thereby reducing home plastic waste.
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