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Monday, February 17, 2025

Coles dump plastic bags in Australian-first trial 

Coles has announced it will trial the removal of single-use plastic bags for fruit and vegetables in its ACT supermarkets from 14 September. 

In preparation for the trial, ACT customers who spend at least $5 on produce from 31 August until 13 September will receive three reusable mesh bags. 

Coles says the mesh bags, which will also be available for purchase, are made from 90% recycled materials. 

Customers will also be encouraged to bring in their own reusable bags during the trial. 

Coles Chief Operations and Sustainability Officer, Matt Swindells said the initiative is expected to cut about 11 tonnes of single-use plastic each year.  

“Under our Together to Zero waste ambition, we are always looking for ways to reduce reliance on unnecessary and problematic single-use plastics packaging and provide sustainable solutions to our customers,” Mr Swindells said.  

“This will be the first time a major Australian supermarket will trial a completely reusable method of helping customers purchase their fresh fruit and veggies.  

“We will be looking closely at how our ACT customers respond. These insights will inform our consideration for potentially rolling this out to our customers nationally.” 

Coles recently rolled out fresh produce bags made with 50% recycled plastic nationwide. The bags can be returned to REDcycle bins at any Coles supermarket to be recycled. 

The single-use bags will remain in the deli section as well as for online orders.  

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