Trial in five stores across Australia aims to reduce amount of single-use plastic involved in fruit and veg purchases
Australian supermarket chain Coles says it will offer customers recycled cardboard boxes instead of single-use plastic bags for the fruit and veg they purchase, as part of an eight-week trial.
The boxes, which are used to deliver fresh produce to the outlets, can either be taken home and recycled, or left at the checkout for another customer.
The trial involves five stores: Prahan and Waverly Gardens in Melbourne, Noosa Heads in Queensland, Ocean Shores in New South Wales, and Hilton in Western Australia.
“We know our customers want us to provide more sustainable packaging solutions, and this trial offers a plastic-free alternative to fresh produce bags that, if successful, could see a sizeable reduction in the number of plastic produce bags in circulation,” said Matt Swindells, the group’s chief operations officer.
“The great thing about these boxes is that they fit easily in your trolley, and can be taken home and recycled, or left at store for someone else to use again.
“It also brings a local grocer feel to your shop while helping to create a more sustainable future.”
