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Woolworths outperforms Coles in plastic reduction efforts, except for Ooshies
A national report by the Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) has revealed significant differences in plastic waste reduction between Australia's two largest supermarkets, Woolworths and Coles. The study, based on 80 test orders nationwide, found that 95% of Coles deliveries contained at least one plastic produce bag compared to just 8% for Woolworths. Additionally, 73% of Coles' items were individually bagged versus only 0.3% for Woolworths. Woolworths has also been more transparent about plastic use in its home-brand product range, reporting a 'plastic intensity score' of 10 grams per unit sold, with plans to update this data annually. Coles, meanwhile, has committed to removing unnecessary plastic but continues to use plastic bags for loose produce and has revived Ooshies - small plastic toys given away at checkout - despite Coles having banned plastic toy giveaways since 2021. The report highlights that supermarkets should sell loose produce at the same price as packaged options, particularly during the cost of living crisis. Consumers like Emily Hamilton from Melbourne and Celeste Hankins from Sydney have shared their experiences with excessive plastic packaging, with Hamilton noting that Coles 'just so bad – everything comes in plastic bags' while Hankins feels 'honestly very guilty' when buying packaged food. Both supermarkets have made sustainability commitments, with Woolworths focusing on reducing plastic in supply chains and Coles emphasizing food safety and convenience through packaging. The AMCS commended Coles for its stance against plastic toy giveaways but urged Woolworths to follow its lead in reducing plastic use. The report also noted that Aldi and Metcash, which do not offer home delivery, were not included in the plastic bag comparison but have made their own sustainability commitments.
