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Supermarkets Clash: Who's Greener on Plastic?
5 Nov
Summary
- Woolworths uses fewer plastic produce bags than Coles.
- Coles bags nearly all loose produce items individually.
- Woolworths revived controversial Ooshies toy giveaways.
Woolworths has significantly outperformed Coles in reducing plastic waste, especially concerning online grocery orders. A recent report by the Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) highlights that Woolworths uses far fewer plastic produce bags for deliveries compared to Coles. Across numerous test orders, 95% of Coles deliveries included plastic produce bags, with most items individually bagged, while Woolworths had plastic bags in only 8% of orders, with minimal individual bagging.
Beyond online orders, Woolworths is more transparent about plastic in its home-brand products, reporting a 'plastic intensity score' of 10 grams per unit sold. This contrasts with other supermarkets like Aldi and Metcash, which do not offer home delivery. Supermarkets are also criticized for charging more for loose produce than for packaged versions, a practice discouraged by the AMCS.
Despite its progress in packaging reduction, Woolworths has faced backlash for reintroducing Ooshies, collectible plastic toys, as giveaways. This is seen as a step backward compared to Coles, which has discontinued similar promotions since 2021. The AMCS urges Woolworths to cease these giveaways, emphasizing that reducing plastic use is the most effective way to combat pollution.
